Bride of Retribution: Aloof Billionaire's Dominant Game

”By the way, that... Ava Walker shouldn’t be in any trouble, right?” After all, she saw Ava lying on the ground quite seriously, but surely she wouldn’t die from the fall?

”Seems like she’s okay, just a few bones broke.” Atlas Hallow’s kisses were lingering, sucking on her beautiful collarbone. He loved her collarbone, so distinct it seemed like it could hold a pool of clear water.

”That’s good. Did things go smoothly for you? If they did, can I make a small request?” Charlotte Miller pushed Atlas away; she dared not get too cozy with him on the sofa again because it always ended in trouble. Even though she disliked Ava, she wouldn’t wish her dead.

”What kind of request?” He was curious to hear what request would make her choose these words—was he really that difficult to deal with?

Charlotte chuckled awkwardly, sticking out her tongue: ”I want to eat grilled kebabs now, the kind with lots of spice.” Just mentioning it made her mouth water; her craving was so overpowering she couldn’t control herself.

”Sour son, spicy daughter; but you’re eating sour one minute, spicy the next—maybe there’s both son and daughter in there?” Atlas watched her eyes light up at the mention of spicy food, as if she hadn’t eaten in a long time, making it hard to refuse her.

”Do you really believe in that kind of old wives’ tale?” Charlotte frowned slightly, thinking those notions weren’t scientifically founded.

”What kind of person do you think I am?” A deep chuckle resonated from Atlas’s chest. He was always curious about how she actually perceived him.

”You’re a successful businessman.” That was all she could say; telling Atlas she thought he was deeply mysterious and unpredictable would surely annoy him, possibly resulting in not getting any kebabs. Calling him successful seemed balanced, and the word successful sounded like a compliment.

”Anything else?” Atlas pinched Charlotte’s face, amused by her perfunctory answer—he certainly didn’t miss that.

”Very powerful...” This was honest enough; Charlotte rubbed the spot he pinched, his grip was indeed strong.

She hadn’t really seen him angry; if he did get angry, wouldn’t it be terrifying? If he weren’t joking and actually got physical, could he take her life in one fell swoop?

The thought itself scared her.

”So, powerful man, hurry up and get me some barbecue. I’m starving.” Charlotte didn’t want to dwell on the question and pulled Atlas up by the hand.

Apparently, she was really hungry, so it’s best to feed the young lady first.

Dinner was a bit special; the chef set up a grill outside along with the usual dishes, preparing some grilled meat and seafood on the spot.

Charlotte really wanted to take a plate and stand outside, but it wasn’t very appropriate.

Everyone gathered downstairs for dinner, seemingly tacitly agreeing not to mention Ava Walker’s incident.

People noticed the outdoor grill, though curious, didn’t ask questions, likely guessing it was Charlotte’s craving since the Hallow Family never ate such things during formal meals—this habit seemed to break only since Charlotte arrived.

Moreover, Charlotte’s craving was evident to everyone.

Kinsley Lee changed her outfit and came downstairs looking well-prepared, her makeup exceptionally exquisite.

She drank her soup, smiling broadly: ”Charlotte, are you having intense reactions? How come your tastes have changed?” Kinsley wondered if her pregnancy wasn’t agreeing with the little brat in her belly, causing such strong reactions.

”I don’t know, just suddenly felt like eating something. Sometimes I like strong flavors, other times not, craving sweets.” Charlotte chuckled, puzzled at her own taste changes.

Craving this and that, she herself found it hard to adapt.

Ayla Kim watched Kinsley and felt apprehensive; the two always had a tenuous relationship, trying to coexist peacefully on the surface but secretly wishing the other dead. Why was Maria Lee suddenly showing so much concern for her daughter-in-law?

But Kinsley wasn’t being sarcastic as she used to, so Ayla just turned away, seriously advising Charlotte: ”Charlotte, given your condition, try to eat less of that if you can.”

Atlas glanced at his mother and said blandly, ”She’ll eat what she likes.”

Ayla seemed a bit put off by this, her expression darkening, she said nothing more.

Kinsley looked at Ayla’s darkened face, only grinning more as she continued asking, ”Did you go for a check-up at the hospital?”

Charlotte nodded, ”I had a check-up once.”

”Everything good? This is the Hallow Family’s first child in years, quite the celebration.”

Charlotte smiled, ”All is good.”

She was puzzled; normally, Kinsley was aloof and barely acknowledged her, why suddenly ask so many questions? Was it because Atlas got angry today or because his father talked to her in the study as guessed?

Charlotte calculated internally; this was likely the case—there really was truth to the saying of mother gaining status through her child?

She didn’t want Kinsley too embarrassed, so she answered questions earnestly, yet the feeling was strange—like two completely unrelated people forced together. Thankfully, the chef had brought up the kebabs.

Atlas placed the kebabs on her plate, smiling, ”Eat up.”

While pouring her a fresh glass of juice, he cast a warning glance at Kinsley to drop the topic.

Kinsley kept smiling, unfazed by Atlas’s cold and harsh look; she was happier than anyone, sensing an opportunity had come.

Atlas’s tense demeanor only confirmed her suspicion.

Indeed, Atlas had done such a thing; the child in Charlotte’s belly wasn’t his, or else he wouldn’t be so cautious, reacting strongly even to a single inquiry.

But how to inform Charlotte about this?

Charlotte likely was in the dark; was it really possible that, as Ava suggested, a doctor could plant an em.bryo into Charlotte’s body one unnoticed night—a stealthy procedure Atlas would find easy?

The most difficult part now was that Atlas protected Charlotte impeccably, making it hard to find the moment to tell her.

Moreover, if Atlas found out she did this, any slight leak could lead her to a grim end.

Though dinner was a bit uneasy, she did have her favored kebabs, leaving Charlotte slightly content back in their room, touching her slightly protruded belly.

”Not much of a pregnancy bump yet, but dinner made me stuffed.” Charlotte accepted the plum soup Atlas handed her, it was brewed specially at his request—a flavor she loved, instantly cutting through the grease.

”Let me feel...” Atlas’ deep voice lifted in the air, holding her waist, his big hand touched her belly, noticing it seemed slightly bigger—a feeling soft and plump driving him mad, as though his hand could melt into her tender skin.

”I like you rounder.” He kissed Charlotte’s cheek.

Charlotte nearly spat out the plum soup at his words, swallowing quickly and pulling his hand away: ”There’s bound to be changes; you shouldn’t do this, okay?”

He seemed like a lecherous uncle in a Japanese comic.

”What are you thinking?” Atlas pinched her chin, his eyes fixed on her mischievous smile—what was she thinking that made her grin so?

”I was thinking whether I should call you... おじさん...” Charlotte murmured softly, eyes shining like brilliant stars in the sky, twinkling with enchanting brightness.

In Atlas’ eyes sparked intense heat, as if consuming everything—his rough voice akin to stones grating against a mill, softly uttered: ”どうぞよろしくお愿いします.”

The word おじさん ignited all flames in his chest, his whole being ablaze...