Chapter 5

I returned alone to the empty Rivers house, watching as debt collectors were carrying out valuable items one by one.

This once grand and luxurious house was instantly left hollow inside.

According to media rumors, a mysterious wealthy buyer had swept in and purchased all the Rivers family furniture at a high price.

I took off my sunglasses and went to my room to pack my things.

I saw the strawberry bear plush toy that my father had braved a snowstorm to buy for me when I had acute gastritis at fifteen.

I saw the performance dress studded with diamonds that my mother had hand-sewn for my dance competition when I was eighteen.

I saw the brooch that my sister had personally designed for me a week before her wedding at twenty-three, smiling as she told me she wanted me to wear it with my bridesmaid dress.

I didn't want any of these anymore.

When I returned to the Knight residence empty-handed, Gabriel looked somewhat surprised. He put down his newspaper and raised an eyebrow.

"What's this? They wouldn't let you take your belongings?"

I shook my head, smiling as I curled up in Gabriel's arms, kissing his chin.

"It's all worthless stuff. I couldn't be bothered to take it. You'll give me everything I need, won't you, Mr. Knight?"

"You're very clever."

Gabriel stared at the red marks on my fair shoulders, his eyes tinged with desire. Those were whip marks he had personally inflicted last night.

The man picked me up in his arms and carried me to the bedroom.

In the heat of passion, I gently caressed Gabriel's chiseled jawline, seizing the moment of his climax to ask,

"That female celebrity who drowned last year, you had someone tie rocks to her, didn't you?"

The man chuckled, his tone contemptuous.

"Who told her to get pregnant with my child? Not just anyone can be my wife."

"I still prefer your type... scheming yet self-aware."

I pretended to be jealous, playfully hitting Gabriel's chest while extracting more information.

"How mean~ Just how many women have you had? I might get jealous, you know."

Gabriel smirked, his casual words full of boasting and teasing.

"Not many. You know that famous 'pure' actress in the entertainment industry, right? My men drugged her and sent her to my bed."

My eyes darkened, but my tone remained coy.

"So how did Mr. Knight deal with her?"

"Of course, I played with her once and then discarded her. Some money as compensation is enough for people like that."

"Mr. Knight, you're so heartless. What about me then?"

I pretended to be scared, actually observing Gabriel's reaction. As expected, the man pulled me into his arms and whispered reassuringly.