Chapter 2

Lydia POV

"Let go of me... you can't..."

I struggled to push him away, but he caught my wrists with one hand and pinned them above my head against the sheets.

The man on top of me clearly had no intention of letting me go.

His other hand traced down along my waistline, his palm burning hot, yet pressing down with alarming force, as if trying to weld me into his body.

His breath brushed against my ear, hot and heavy, each exhale seeming to scorch my skin.

"Behave."

His voice was rough and fierce, carrying an irresistible sense of oppression.

I clenched my teeth and twisted harder, but he only pressed down more heavily in response. His knee forced my legs apart, cutting off all escape routes.

The natural disparity in strength between men and women. I was no match for his power...

One year later, New York's wealthiest family, the Knights, held a ball.

I scanned the crowd, quickly picking out the most striking man in the room. Adrian Knight.

Adrian, heir to the Knight family, was currently conversing with his friend Jackson. Jackson's gaze inadvertently met mine.

I heard Jackson ask involuntarily.

"Did the Knights invite her?"

Following Jackson's line of sight, Adrian looked toward me.

Adrian's handsome brows furrowed slightly.

"Do you know her?"

"Daughter of Marcus Reed, Lydia. Pretty bold reputation, the promiscuous type, countless men around her. She's probably here tonight hunting for a new target."

Jackson's assessment of me was extremely unfavorable.

I noticed Adrian's gaze on me, so I took the opportunity to lift my dress hem, swirling the red wine in my glass. The crimson liquid shimmered with an alluring gleam, radiating a provocative air.

I deliberately moved closer to Adrian. The moment I neared him, my ankle twisted slightly, and my body fell against Adrian's chest, the red wine spilling onto his suit...

I immediately apologized in alarm.

"I'm so sorry... I spilled on you..."

Adrian's voice was extremely soft.

"It's fine."

I endured the weight of Adrian's gaze.

"How about I help you clean it in the restroom?"

At that moment, Adrian's deep eyes flowed with unfathomable light, invisibly filling me with endless fear.

But I had to remain composed.

After a moment, Adrian nodded.

"Alright."

"Sir, please remove your jacket."

At the restroom entrance, I paused.

Adrian removed his suit jacket and handed it to me.

I dampened a handkerchief and carefully cleaned Adrian's jacket.

After finishing cleaning Adrian's suit, I smiled lightly as I handed it back to him and apologized again,

"The jacket is clean now. I'm sorry for the trouble."

Adrian accepted it with elegant composure, his gaze at me seemingly carrying a hint of predatory intent.

"What's your name?"

Clearly, my appearance had left an impression on Adrian.

"Lydia."

Then I said.

"It's an honor to meet you today. I'm truly sorry for causing you trouble, Mr. Knight."

Adrian seemed somewhat surprised.

"You know who I am?"

I smiled.

"In all of New York, who wouldn't know Mr. Knight? You're the dream man thousands of women chase after."

But I understood the art of advance and retreat. The next second, I stopped lingering,

"Mr. Knight, I should go now. I was too forward today. Please forgive me."

Adrian nodded elegantly, his gaze at me meaningful.

My heart beat faster and faster.

I quickly left the party venue and got into my family butler's car.

The Reed family butler was loyal to me and very attentive to my affairs.

"Did you meet Adrian? What was his reaction?"