Bride of Retribution: Aloof Billionaire's Dominant Game

As the morning light filtered in, Charlotte Miller slowly crawled out from under the covers. What happened last night? She had no idea, she slept too soundly.

Maybe it was because she talked with Ethan Baird last night. It seemed like people feel more at ease. Keeping things bottled up inside feels uncomfortable, like fermentation, but speaking about it makes it much better. But what really happened last night?

What time did he return to the room? She didn’t know. However, one thing she was sure of was that he slept beside her last night, as the bed still held his warmth. There was that faint scent of musk that wouldn’t dissipate, obvious signs someone had slept on the pillow. The sheets next to her were a bit disheveled, unlike how they are when untouched.

After all, they are husband and wife, bound to eventually become like a normal couple, even if things were a bit odd when they initially formed this relationship. He had a motive, and she could only accept it. But still, they have come to this point, and yesterday his intentions were very obvious.

Charlotte stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the Hallow Family’s garden. Though autumn had arrived, under the gardener’s careful upkeep, it was still lush with flowers and trees.

On the surface, the Hallow Family seemed so serene and beautiful, like a calm sea, but beneath it could be countless hidden reefs, ready to tear you apart with the slightest misstep.

Ethan was not wrong. She didn’t know Atlas Hallow’s true intentions. If he harbored no deep malice, it’d be fine. But if he wished to do something to the Miller Family, she couldn’t remain powerless. It was as much about leaving a path for the Hallow Family as for herself.

Yet, would he?

Would he take on the Hallow Family, take on her?

She sighed lightly from the bottom of her heart, a long sigh growing from within her. The gentle sorrow climbed and spread across the entire room like creeping vines, as if even the sunlight outside could scarcely penetrate.

”What are you thinking about?” Atlas Hallow pushed open the room door and saw such a scene: she stood before the window, the morning light streamed over her, making her as translucent as a crystal doll. The light penetrated her flimsy long nightgown, casting onto the carpet, infusing even the shadows with her unique fragrance. A barely visible mist covered the carpet, thick with her scent.

”Nothing, just daydreaming.” Charlotte didn’t turn around but could already feel the heat radiating from behind her. He must have just returned from his morning exercise. For a man who spent most of his time in the office to maintain such a perfect physique, he must put in significant effort. Was it to keep his energy up, attract women with good looks, or was he just a lover of beauty?

Maybe with others, it would be easy to interpret these actions, but with this man, Atlas Hallow, she couldn’t make an accurate judgment.

He carried the scent of sweat, a very peculiar smell, somewhat like pine. A smile spread across Charlotte’s lips; was she perhaps too enamored with this man’s good looks, finding even the scent of his sweat pleasant?

There was a lot to do during the day, no time for idling. Before he could come closer, she quickly slipped into the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth. Even though they were married, being this unkempt—unwashed face, unbrushed teeth, uncombed hair—in front of him didn’t seem quite right.

While her mouth was full of foam, the bathroom door swung open.

Charlotte looked back and saw Atlas Hallow casually strolling in. He then began taking off his clothes, starting with his pants.

”What...what are you doing...?” She stood there, spitting foam as she questioned.

”Taking a shower, want to join?” Atlas said as he watched Charlotte, her mouth full of white foam, looking extremely cute, resembling a little crab. As he continued his movement, her face blushed, making her look even more like one.

”No, not necessary...” She hadn’t been out for morning exercise, so what was the need for a shower?

Couldn’t he wait a few minutes? Just a few minutes, she usually moved quickly. But this man had already come in and was fully undressed.

His bathroom was large, very large. When he turned on the square overhead shower, cold streams poured from the silver showerhead. Though it was autumn and the weather remained somewhat unpredictable with occasional heat, surely a cold shower wasn’t necessary?

The enormous mirror over the sink reflected his figure. Water ran down his broad shoulders, over his firm muscles, and along his long, powerful legs, and...

With a bang, her mind exploded, as if an atomic bomb had been dropped into her brain. Charlotte told herself to stay calm; this was normal between husband and wife. It was just her seeing him naked, only vaguely catching sight of his more private parts, nothing to get so tense about.

Yet, her heart felt like it was about to leap out. It wasn’t that she hadn’t seen it before, just never quite like this...

Quickly, she threw down the toothbrush, washed her face, and dared not look any further, fleeing out as fast as she could.

If she continued watching, her heart might not be able to handle it.

The man under the shower watched the woman flee like a rabbit, a slow smile curling at his lips. He shut off the shower, wrapped himself in a towel, and walked out.

By the time he emerged, she had already changed, still in long pants and a shirt, as simply pure as a student.

In fact, she was still a student. Atlas Hallow’s smile deepened—is this what they called an old ox eating young grass?

”Blushing like that? Have you never seen it before?” He pulled her hand to sit on the sofa; this morning he seemed in no rush to go down for breakfast.

”Of course, I’ve seen it.” Charlotte didn’t like his teasing tone, as if mocking her.

”Seen it?” The man’s voice grew dangerous, even his gaze carried an inexplicable whirlpool, threatening to engulf her.

”Michael Angelo’s David, haven’t you seen it?” Charlotte shrugged, looking as if she was judging him for not understanding art.

”Playing with me, huh?” His voice became softer, danger mixed with seduction. The air filled with a pure male scent. Charlotte’s gaze flickered slightly: ”I’m not, you’re the one who asked if I’ve seen it...”