Eve Vaughn’s heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t expected Mason Lawson to have seen Wesley Shaw bringing her back.

’But what right does he have to question me like this?’

’His tone was so snide.’

Eve Vaughn summoned her courage, trying to keep her emotions in check. "Why aren’t you okay with Wesley just dropping me off at school? Yet you’re allowed to be all over Miss Sullivan?"

Today, when Regina Shaw heard Eve was planning to break up with Mason Lawson, she couldn’t help but mention the incident with Joanna Sullivan.

Regina and Mrs. Shaw had both seen it with their own eyes that day—Joanna Sullivan and Mason Lawson embracing in a hospital room. A truly unpleasant sight.

’And now he dares to come here demanding answers, acting as if I’m the one who did something to wrong him!’

The more Eve Vaughn thought about it, the more wronged she felt. "Mr. Lawson, is this what they call ’one rule for you, another for me’? You can get intimate with other women, but I’m not even allowed to speak to another man?"

She had expected an explanation from Mason Lawson.

But instead, the man gripped her chin and said, word by word, "That’s right. You’re not."

’So tyrannical, so domineering!’

Eve Vaughn even began to wonder if the gentle, considerate Mason Lawson she knew before was just an act.

Her chin throbbed from his grip, and Eve Vaughn knitted her brows tightly.

Remembering Wesley Shaw’s words, she suddenly asked, "Mr. Lawson, you know we’re not from the same world, don’t you? We’re not from the same circle. It doesn’t matter if one is reaching up or the other is reaching down—it’s exhausting for both, isn’t it?"

How could a man as shrewd as Mason Lawson not understand what she meant?

It was a question he had long since considered.

It was exhausting at times, but he had already come this far.

Seeing his silence, Eve Vaughn continued, "In that case, we might as well..."

The next second, his lips crashed down on hers, and she couldn’t utter another word, only muffled whimpers.

The man gave her no room to struggle. He kissed her forcefully, the taste of alcohol passing into her mouth.

He was as ferocious as a hurricane, yet he desperately restrained himself, not daring to use more force for fear of hurting her.

Eve Vaughn couldn’t breathe under his assault, and her skin grew feverish wherever his fingertips touched.

’But the last shred of rationality in her mind told her this couldn’t happen.’

’Never mind that her relationship with Mason Lawson was already on shaky ground, unable to withstand any more turmoil.’

’Besides, they were at the school gate. Even though they were in the car, the driver was right outside.’

Shame flooded Eve Vaughn’s mind. She squirmed frantically, but he only tightened his grip around her waist.

The man whispered domineeringly in her ear, "Be good, and I’ll finish this quickly."

The car Mason Lawson was in today wasn’t a business van, and the space inside was tight.

Eve Vaughn knew that if she resisted or struggled, she would only attract the attention of those outside the car.

Even the driver standing nearby would be able to hear.

’She couldn’t bear that kind of humiliation.’

Meanwhile, Mason Lawson kissed her slender neck while starting to remove her clothes.

For the first time, Eve Vaughn felt a profound sense of sorrow in a situation like this.

It was no longer just shame.

’She never thought a day would come when he would treat her so brutally, against her will.’

’In the car, at her school gate, he was taking her and wouldn’t even let her resist.’

’Had he considered her feelings at all?’

’What did he take her for?’

What saddened her was how casually Mason Lawson treated her, almost as if she were merely an object for his release.

From beginning to end, Eve Vaughn bit down hard on her lower lip, refusing to let a single sound escape as she painfully endured his ravaging.

An hour later, Mason Lawson finally finished. The car was filled with the sound of his ragged breathing.

He turned Eve Vaughn over and found her face streaked with tears.

The man’s drunkenness seemed to sober up in an instant.

A wave of pity and self-reproach washed over him.

"Evie."

He reached out to wipe away her tears. "Stop being difficult with me, okay?"

Eve Vaughn coldly pushed his hand away. "Are you finished? If you’re done, I’m leaving."

She fastened her bra, her expression radiating a coldness that kept everyone at arm’s length.

Mason Lawson liked her when she was sweet and obedient. Even when she was angry and threw a little tantrum, he could spoil her, as it was all harmless fun.

He even found it to be a bit of spice in their life.

But this—Eve Vaughn giving him the cold shoulder and her sarcastic barbs—was something Mason Lawson, a man accustomed to being fawned over, simply couldn’t tolerate.

He stopped trying to coax her nicely and said in a low voice, "From now on, stay away from other men. Understand whose woman you are. Otherwise, I don’t mind reminding you in the same way I did today."

Eve Vaughn’s heart sank, though she didn’t show any fear.

She got out of the car, and the BANG of the door slamming shut was enough to convey her fury.

...

For three straight days, Mason Lawson didn’t come looking for her.

Regina Shaw, who had been staying at a hotel with her mother for a few days, returned to the dorm and told Eve that Old Mr. Lawson had fallen gravely ill because of the chaos in the family.

This was also why Mrs. Shaw had remained in Rivaster.

Even though they wouldn’t become in-laws, the two families still had to interact in the future, so they couldn’t let things get too hostile.

It was only right for her to pay a visit when Old Mr. Lawson fell ill.

After returning, Mrs. Shaw told her daughter what she had seen and heard.

As soon as Regina got back, she shared it with Eve Vaughn as a piece of casual gossip.

She said, "I heard that Joanna Sullivan, that vixen, has her mother wrapped around the first branch of the Lawson Family. She’s insisting on suing them for sexual assault. The old man is afraid of the scandal getting out, so it seems he made some kind of private deal with them. As long as the Sullivan Family drops the matter and doesn’t sue the first branch, he’ll approve of Mason Lawson and Joanna Sullivan getting together."

Eve Vaughn had thought she would be able to remain detached, viewing the Lawson Family’s affairs like a complete outsider.

After all, she had spent days mentally preparing herself for this.

But when she heard that last sentence, she couldn’t stop a pang of sorrow and heartache from rising within her.

Regina Shaw seemed to notice her unhappiness and tried to comfort her. "Evie, think of it this way: you’ve escaped a world of pain! A place like the Lawson Family, that devours people whole, let Joanna Sullivan have it. She won’t be happy there, believe me!"

Eve Vaughn forced a smile. "It has nothing to do with me anymore, anyway."

’No wonder Mason Lawson had been so quiet these past three days and hadn’t come looking for her.’

’It turns out Old Mr. Lawson had already approved of him and Joanna Sullivan.’

’Her only regret was that she hadn’t had the chance to properly say ’goodbye’ to Mason Lawson.’

Later, Regina Shaw went to the lab to continue her research.

Eve Vaughn had no classes in the afternoon and was planning to go to the library.

Just as she left the dormitory building, Eve Vaughn saw a familiar woman—one she wished she could avoid at all costs.

The Third Madam of the Lawson Family.

Having spotted her target, she immediately walked toward Eve Vaughn.

Eve Vaughn knew the woman was coming for her, so she didn’t try to hide.

"Miss Vaughn, are you on your way to class?" The Third Madam’s tone was surprisingly polite today. "Please spare me ten minutes. I have something to discuss with you. It won’t take long."

Suppressing her nervousness, Eve Vaughn nodded.

But she was afraid The Third Madam was plotting something, so she said, "Our school cafeteria is empty right now. Let’s go there."

’After all, the cafeteria was on campus, and there would be staff around. It was safe.’

The Third Madam had no objections and followed her to the cafeteria.

After they sat down, The Third Madam began, "Miss Vaughn, I’m sure you know why I’ve come to see you. I hope you will consider what’s best for Mason. For the sake of his future, leave him."

Eve Vaughn had indeed guessed The Third Madam’s purpose on the way to the cafeteria.

So now, she appeared relatively calm as she said to The Third Madam, "I’ve already broken up with Mr. Lawson."

But The Third Madam’s lips curved into a scornful smile. "If you had really broken up with Mason, he wouldn’t have angered the Old Mr. again today for your sake. Tell me, what does our Mason owe you? Before he met you, he was always a filial son to his parents. When was he ever like this?"

Eve Vaughn’s heart trembled slightly. She had thought Mason Lawson was already starting something with Joanna Sullivan.

’But to think, he was still arguing with Old Mr. Lawson today, all for her.’

In that instant, an indescribable emotion flooded her heart, warming her from the inside out.

Seeing her distracted, The Third Madam tapped the table, her voice tinged with impatience. "Miss Vaughn, are you even listening to me?"

"What?"

Eve Vaughn snapped back to attention. "What did you just say?"

The Third Madam looked at her with disdain, wondering what on earth Mason Lawson saw in this girl.

Aside from being pretty—and that was only because she bore a resemblance to Joanna Sullivan.

In The Third Madam’s eyes, she was utterly worthless otherwise.

The Third Madam said sternly, "Then let me analyze the current situation in the Lawson Family for you. Originally, the Old Mr. just thought Mason had made a mistake and nearly fired him from the Lawson Group. But now, the first branch has gotten into trouble over this Joanna business. This is a golden opportunity for us. If Mason continues to stubbornly resist the Old Mr. and doesn’t seize this chance, then there will be no place for us in the Lawson Group in the future."

Afraid that Eve Vaughn, with her humble background, wouldn’t understand, The Third Madam added, "To be frank with you, the first branch has always been eyeing Mason’s position like a hawk. The Old Mr.’s health is failing by the day. If, at a time like this, Mason gives up everything he has in the Lawson Group because of you, then after the Old Mr. passes, the first branch will be in charge of this family. Think about it. Would a man as proud as Mason be willing to bow his head to them?"

Eve Vaughn’s heart suddenly plunged into an abyss. Just the thought of Mason Lawson one day being forced to bow his head to those people was excruciating for her.

’She would not only feel it was unfair to Mason, but she would also blame herself for dragging him down.’

Under The Third Madam’s sharp gaze, Eve Vaughn said quietly, "I understand."

The Third Madam stared at her intently. "I hope you truly do. Before Mason met you, he was always working hard. You have no idea the hardships he’s endured, how desperately he’s fought all these years to get to his position in the Lawson Group, but I do! So, I can’t just stand by and watch you ruin him. You also know how good Mason is to you. At a time like this, shouldn’t you repay him?"

The sorrow in Eve Vaughn’s chest churned endlessly. She spoke in a low voice, thick with emotion. "I know what to do."

...

Walking out of the cafeteria, Eve Vaughn lifted her head. The winter sun felt warm on her skin, but her heart was freezing cold.

’It felt as if it could never be warmed again.’

She walked along the school’s cobblestone path, recalling every little moment she had shared with Mason Lawson.

They hadn’t been together for long, but in Eve Vaughn’s heart, it felt like an eternity. She remembered every single fragment of their time together, clearly and profoundly.

Just a few days ago, she had already convinced herself to end things with Mason Lawson.

But today, when she heard that he was still angering Old Mr. Lawson for her sake, she suddenly realized he had been trying all along.

’He hadn’t given up on her!’

’Eve Vaughn wished he could be more heartless. At least then, she wouldn’t feel so reluctant to let go when they broke up.’

Now, her heart was filled with reluctance and regret. She felt like a trapped animal, crashing about recklessly in a space with no exit, destined to end up battered and broken.

’She loved him, she loved him so, so much. That’s why she couldn’t drag him down.’

’Between two people, one of them has to be the ruthless one to make a clean break.’

’Otherwise, if she watched the first branch trample all over Mason Lawson in the future, she would feel guilty for her selfishness for the rest of her life!’

...

Eve Vaughn sat in the study hall all afternoon, trying in vain to absorb the contents of her book.

Seeing the time was approaching six o’clock, knowing he would be getting off work soon, she finally took a deep breath and dialed his number.

But it was Neil Kane who answered.

"Miss Vaughn, Mr. Lawson is currently discussing a very important case with a partner, but it should be over soon. You can tell me what it is, and I’ll relay the message to him in a moment."

Eve Vaughn’s voice was soft and clear. "That’s all right. I’ll call back in half an hour."

Before long, Mason Lawson finished up his business.

Neil Kane walked into the office with the phone and reported, "Mr. Lawson, Miss Vaughn called for you just now."

Mason Lawson had been in a foul mood lately, and the employees at the company were all walking on eggshells. No one dared to make the slightest mistake, terrified of being the one to set him off.

Neil Kane hadn’t seen Mason Lawson smile in a long time.

But upon hearing that Eve Vaughn had taken the initiative to call him, Mason Lawson couldn’t help but let the corners of his lips curl up.

The pleasure he felt inside finally showed on his face.

After all, he had been deliberately giving her the cold shoulder these past few days, simply to cure her habit of throwing tantrums and giving him attitude at the drop of a hat.

He hadn’t expected the girl to finally get the picture and contact him first.

Even if she didn’t apologize, her taking the initiative was, in Mason Lawson’s eyes, a sign that she was backing down.

He took the phone and waved a hand, dismissing Neil Kane.

Then, he called Eve Vaughn back.