Chapter 2

The door opened, and Phoebe Sterling stormed in, her face etched with fury.

She glanced around, but only saw Marcus Thorne.

Some of the anger in her chest dissipated. She then noticed Marcus Thorne's slightly haggard face and rushed to steady him with concern.

"Marcus, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Marcus Thorne rubbed his temples with his strong, elegant fingers, his voice low.

"I had a few too many drinks at the banquet tonight, so I just booked a room upstairs to rest."

"What is it, has someone been gossiping and upset you?"

Phoebe Sterling's face was tinged with guilt. She forced a smile, her eyes darting around the room.

"No one, I just came to check on you."

"You're just so desirable; there are so many women in this city who want you. If I'm not vigilant, and someone snatches you away, where would I go to cry?"

Marcus Thorne chuckled softly, pulling her into his embrace. "Phoebe, don't you know who's in my heart?"

"All these years, have I ever looked at another woman?"

He's always so distant; I'd never seen him look so tender since I started working for him. He really must love Phoebe Sterling.

His words finally made Phoebe Sterling completely drop her guard. His gentle words melted away any lingering doubt.

She helped him sit on the nearby sofa and instructed him,

"You should get some rest since you've had too much to drink. I won't disturb you."

With that, she turned to leave, but the next second, a "thump" suddenly came from the bathroom.

Phoebe Sterling's brows instantly furrowed, her sharp gaze sweeping fiercely towards the bathroom.

"Who's in there?"

No one answered. She immediately started to walk towards it.

In that critical moment, Marcus Thorne rose and went to her side, gently pulling her into his arms.

"I was about to take a shower, so I turned on the faucet. It must have just fallen off."

"I told you I was alone. Don't you trust me?"

Phoebe Sterling quickly pushed him playfully.

"Of course I trust you, Marcus. I'll leave right away, don't be angry."

In front of Marcus Thorne, the proud socialite, so used to getting her way, was actually lowering herself like this.

A cold smirk played on my lips. The more she cared about Marcus Thorne, the more I would make her suffer.

As the door clicked shut, Marcus Thorne's cool voice sounded again.

"You can come out now."

I emerged barefoot, carefully.

Earlier, I had deliberately turned on the shower, soaking myself halfway.

Now, my long, wavy hair fell loosely around my shoulders, making me look like a pure, innocent fawn that had just stumbled out of the woods.

Marcus Thorne scrutinized me, his gaze cold and dismissive.

Seeing this, I quickly lowered my head, looking cautious and nervous.

"Mr. Thorne, I accidentally touched the shower just now. I'm sorry, it wasn't intentional."

He spoke coldly, "Are you very afraid of her?"

I bit my soft, red lips tightly, hesitating.

"Yes, I am..."

"I'm even more afraid of losing my job. This job is incredibly important to me."

After speaking, as if afraid he would press further, I rushed to say goodbye before he could open his mouth.

"Thank you for today, Mr. Thorne. I won't disturb your rest. I'll be leaving now!"

With those words, I grabbed my coat and hurried out the door.

Downstairs, just as I was about to pull out my phone to call a ride, Marcus Thorne's black Maybach slowly pulled up in front of me.

The driver got out, opened the door, and greeted me.

"Ms. Wen, Mr. Thorne asked me to drive you home."

I paused for a moment, then opened the car door and got in.

With tonight's little stunt, I was certain I had caught Marcus Thorne's attention.

But he was clever, and I still couldn't underestimate him.

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