Bride of Retribution: Aloof Billionaire's Dominant Game

”Things are indeed a bit strange. If Hailey Hill has a relationship with Atlas Hallow, I find it unlikely because do you know what Hailey Hill did when she was fifteen?” Ethan Baird’s voice echoed in the air as Charlotte Miller’s heart began to race upon hearing Hailey Hill’s name.

Ethan Baird said it’s unlikely they have a relationship, so perhaps there really is no connection.

”What did she do when she was fifteen?” Her curiosity was piqued one by one, unaware of what Hailey Hill did in that year that led Ethan to believe they aren’t connected.

Actually, Charlotte Miller herself was clear-minded; a man like Atlas Hallow couldn’t possibly not have women around him. She never dwelled on these matters, knowing she couldn’t change them. Yet, her heart felt a bit sour, but she wouldn’t throw a tantrum or cause a scene. Knowing and imagining were different from reality.

Hailey Hill was indeed someone she met face to face, and the interactions between her and Atlas Hallow were somewhat unusual. To say there is no connection seems improbable.

”There was a famous student night event held at a place, kind of like the early support dating scenes in Japan. Hailey Hill stayed there for two months when she was fifteen.” As Ethan Baird finished speaking, Charlotte Miller was completely stunned, her lips turning pale.

Did Atlas Hallow meet Hailey Hill there? At fifteen, Atlas was only seventeen, was he frequenting such places already?

”I know what you’re thinking. You’re wondering if Atlas Hallow, as a teenager, played in such places. Don’t scare yourself unnecessarily. Listen as I continue; try to use your imagination at work rather than randomly guessing these things.” Ethan looked at Charlotte’s shocked face, feeling somewhat exasperated. Her overly active imagination wasn’t necessarily a good thing, as she immediately connected the dots.

Ethan Baird didn’t want Charlotte to overthink, so he quickly shared the information he had investigated.

”Places like that aren’t favorites of young people; it’s mostly older rich men who love them, because this student night event charges high prices, selling girls’ first experiences. The person who took Hailey Hill’s first time was someone else, but it’s been too long, and everyone involved has left, making it impossible to find out. However, afterward, Hailey Hill went to university, and it was secretly arranged by Atlas Hallow’s father for her, so I wonder if there’s possibly...” Ethan didn’t need to say more to spark imagination.

Flix Hallow and Hailey Hill, is that even possible? Then what does Atlas Hallow’s care for Hailey Hill mean?

This relationship is really strange, almost unbelievable.

Charlotte Miller’s entire brain buzzed as if countless bees flew around her mind, blank and chaotic.

”Don’t worry too much. I’ll have someone investigate further; we should be able to find the person who bought Hailey Hill’s first experience back then, then everything will be clear. You need to remember not to guess wildly before the truth is discovered; otherwise, you’ll only hurt yourself.” Seeing Charlotte’s darkening gaze, Ethan Baird advised with a parental tone, intending to tell her about the matter but didn’t want her worrying over it.

”I understand.” What can the current situation indicate? Hailey Hill once sold herself at fifteen, and then Flix Hallow found her a private, elite school where she met Atlas Hallow, who arranged housing and expenses for Hailey, purchasing valuable treasures.

This relationship is tangled and unclear. It’s like a ball of confusion; she wants to find a thread to unravel this mess, but where is that thread?

It means identifying Hailey Hill’s first man, or once known, everything will become clear.

Outside, the sky grows darker; perhaps a storm is really approaching. The clouds seem ready to block one’s view, making the heart feel filled with these gray-brown clouds, even breath becomes difficult.

Atlas Hallow rarely travels on business. During her marriage to him, the instances he left her are notably few. Without him, she felt exceedingly alone in the empty room.

The room lacked his presence, the distinctive musk and the comfort his breathing and heartbeat brought.

But his absence tonight might be a good thing; the recently received news felt overwhelming, fearing she might ask if Atlas Hallow and Hailey Hill once had a romantic relationship, but why would he be interested in Hailey Hill?

A proud man, a successful man, if a girl at such a young age sells her innocence to another, would he appreciate it?

Her sleep had been quite good since becoming pregnant, falling early into slumber, yet tonight she was sleepless.

Tossing and turning until dawn, she closed her eyes and sank into deep sleep.

In the hazy state, she felt like sinking into a swamp, seeing from afar a man’s back; he stood tall and firm, his profile alone distinct enough to quicken the heart. Recognizing it instantly, it was Atlas Hallow.

As her body began being engulfed by the mire, she shouted loudly: ”Atlas Hallow, save me...”

Yet he didn’t come forward; Charlotte saw him head toward another swamp where a slender, pale woman was there.

Hailey Hill?

”Please...” she screamed as the cold, soft mire swallowed before her chest, causing her body to sink slowly. She already smelled the stench of the soil.

He watched her being engulfed, suffocated, darkness enveloped...

”No...” Charlotte Miller sprang up from the bedcover, realizing it was a terrible nightmare. Was she imagining too much as Ethan Baird suggested? Could it all be false, not an ominous sign?

She comforted herself that it was only a case of day thoughts leading to night dreams. As she touched her forehead, she found herself drenched in sweat, leaving several strands of hair clinging to her cheek, sticky and uncomfortable.

Better take a shower before heading to the office; due to her special circumstances, her working hours would be more flexible, unlike earlier at the Hallow Clan, where she had to follow Atlas Hallow early on.

The housekeeper had advised that the shower shouldn’t be too hot, yet lukewarm water lacked the comfort of hot water. Fortunately, the indoor heating was adequate, not feeling cold.

After changing into a shirt paired with khaki wide-leg pants, she selected a coat and scarf for breakfast before going out.

”Madam, you are up.” The housekeeper who stayed in the guest room overnight promptly prepared breakfast upon her rising.

For one person, five or six varieties were made: a small piece of grilled fish, a miniature grilled rice ball, a serving of yogurt, a bowl of chicken soup dumplings, assorted sliced fruit, along with a heated cup of milk and a golden, crispy croissant.

The housekeeper was indeed capable, preparing so much in the early morning, yet possibly due to the poor sleep the previous night, she found herself lacking an appetite, consuming just a few bites of chicken soup dumplings felt rich, shunning other dishes more. As she stood up to leave, the housekeeper cautiously asked, looking at the barely touched food on the table: ”Madam, is the breakfast not to your taste?”

”No, it’s all delicious. It’s me who doesn’t feel hungry.” Assuredly well-made, yet there was simply no appetite.

”No need to cook for lunch; I’ll find something myself. The change in taste seems odd...” Charlotte giggled, typically having an excellent appetite, feeling capable of devouring a cow when hungry, yet now the appetite was absent.

Just yesterday everything was fine; perhaps hearing the news turned her stomach?

The housekeeper took her coat, helping Charlotte wear it and gather her purse and large scarf, waiting at her side while she chose shoes; quickly bending down, the housekeeper assisted Charlotte with them.

”Thanks...” Charlotte still thanked, receiving the handbag and wearing the scarf and wide-brimmed black hat, ready to go out.

As the door opened, a strong male presence surged forth, almost suffocatingly intense.

Her nose bumped into a solid chest, followed by being tucked into a man’s arms. Laden with travel weariness, his coat covered in fine snowflakes, shedding them seemed to sprinkle memories on the ground.

”Atlas Hallow, why did you come back?” Without needing to look, Charlotte knew the man holding her could only be Atlas Hallow, his scent and warmth were unmistakable.

”Surprise visit.” Atlas Hallow stole a kiss from Charlotte, unexpectedly catching her in a formal attire ready to head elsewhere early this morning.