Bride of Retribution: Aloof Billionaire's Dominant Game

Time seemed to slow down considerably, almost like it was frozen...

Freya picked up Little Mia, ready to stand up, while in the upstairs bathroom, Charlotte soaked in the bathtub with a half-open window, smelling the floral scent carried by the night breeze and the aroma of bread baked by Mrs. Rose next door. But she also caught a familiar scent.

A heart, usually calm and gentle, suddenly throbbed intensely, making her shiver.

She suddenly realized something and quickly stood up from the bathtub.

Without bothering to put on clothes, she wrapped only in a big bath towel and rushed downstairs.

Because she just smelled that very familiar and distinctly layered musk, a scent unique to one man—never smelled on anyone else.

For years, the aroma and presence of this man had haunted her like a nightmare.

She thought that in this foreign land, she would never feel it again, but unexpectedly, it struck again tonight.

She was certain that the person ringing the doorbell was not one of the kind neighbors next door; it was definitely Atlas Hallow.

Charlotte’s first reaction was that she couldn’t let Atlas Hallow see Mia.

Because she didn’t know what crazy thing Atlas Hallow might do.

Years ago, he desperately wanted a child, perhaps due to Hailey Hill or perhaps due to a share in the Hallow Clan. Yet, when Charlotte was lying in the hospital, having given birth to Mia, she resolved never to let Atlas Hallow take the child away. Mia was hers and had nothing to do with that man.

Perhaps because she was holding Mia, Freya was moving from the dining room to the living room to open the door just as Charlotte came rushing down.

Freya’s fingers were just on the doorknob when she saw Charlotte rush down like a madwoman. As if intuitively, she stopped her motion to open the door.

Mia also saw Charlotte and softly smiled, about to call her mommy, but Charlotte gently covered her mouth and picked her up.

She quickly headed upstairs, indicating to Freya that she could open the door once she was up.

At this moment, it was definitely impossible to avoid seeing, because it would make Atlas even more suspicious; this unnecessary trouble should be avoided.

Charlotte, like a gust of wind, swept into Luna’s room.

Luna had already changed into her pajamas, sitting in front of her computer playing games. Seeing Charlotte come in with Mia wrapped in a bathrobe surprised her, as if wondering if there was a fire.

Charlotte placed Mia on Luna’s bed, then pulled Luna over and whispered: ”Luna, please take care of Mia. Absolutely don’t let her go downstairs. No matter what, keep her from going downstairs and don’t make too much noise either.”

Seeing Luna’s puzzled face, she moved to the bed and whispered to Mia: ”Mia, shall we play a game together? How about a game of statues?” Charlotte’s mind was blank; she didn’t know what the best course of action was, but she knew she couldn’t let Atlas see Mia.

Inherited genes are incredibly peculiar; Mia’s facial features are extremely similar to Atlas’s, almost a carbon copy.

Actually, Luna lived in the last room on the second floor, and Mia spoke softly. Besides, after closing the door, conversations upstairs were completely inaudible downstairs, but Charlotte needed to ensure there would be no slip-ups, and Atlas couldn’t see Mia at her home.

Thankfully, there weren’t any toys downstairs because Mia’s room was upstairs.

Luna didn’t say much, just walked over and picked up Mia, switched off the gaming screen, and opened an animated film with the volume turned down low. The two of them sat in chairs, seemingly enjoying the cartoon.

Mia seemed to understand the rules of the game too, raising her slender, pale finger to her lips, making a shushing gesture as she giggled, her eyes curving like gems sparkling brilliantly.

Reassured, Charlotte returned to her room, opened the wardrobe, and changed into loungewear, preparing to go downstairs.

Before heading down, she did a second thing.

She picked up her phone to call Ethan Baird, but Ethan didn’t answer. She had to immediately call Oliver Baird.

She felt as if Atlas Hallow had already arrived, and it might not be easy to kick him out.

Mia was in some danger at home, at risk of being exposed anytime.

”Oliver, come to my house right away. Take Mia to yours; don’t enter through the main door. Atlas Hallow’s here...” With such short notice and sudden circumstances, Charlotte didn’t even have time to organize her thoughts, but she trusted Oliver would understand.

”She’s in Luna’s room, the last room on the left on the second floor.” Charlotte added after concluding.

”You’ve really grown in these three years; let him come—what’s there to fear?” The voice on the other end of the line was icy, sounding somewhat displeased.

Charlotte knew her current approach wasn’t the best solution, but she resolutely wouldn’t let Atlas Hallow see Mia at this moment.

What kind of father is he? He’s simply a bastard.

His initial desire for Mia was so filthy it made her feel that even appearing before Mia was an insult to her.

”I don’t want Mia to meet him. You, as her godfather, wouldn’t want Mia to see something bad either?” Charlotte finished her sentence and hung up. She should be going downstairs now.

These three years had taught her one thing: never avoident!

She knew Oliver would come in no more than twenty minutes to take Mia away.

Mia seemed to have a special ability to charm everyone she met instantly, and without any conditions, they wanted to fulfill all her wishes.

Who could refuse such a beautiful little angel?

After sending a message to ensure Luna understood, Charlotte descended the stairs step by step, heading toward the living room.

”Mr. Hallow, long time no see.” As Freya opened the door, she admired her daughter’s insight; she could tell it was Atlas Hallow outside.

She had once agreed with Charlotte not wanting Mia to have any association with the Hallow Clan, so it was normal for Charlotte not to want Atlas to see Mia. After all, they looked so alike; even a genetic comparison wasn’t needed.

”I’m here to see Charlotte.” Atlas Hallow had already changed into a suit on the plane, looking not the least bit travel-worn.

Freya looked at the man standing at the door; three years of absence hadn’t diminished his allure to women.

Some events are truly beyond control. Initially, to prevent poor outcomes for the Miller Family, she had Charlotte marry in;, hoping Charlotte’s calm and clever nature might avoid some misfortunes; yet, unexpectedly, she returned physically and emotionally hurt.

When she returned on the Baird Family’s private jet, she was carried off the plane; she couldn’t walk since standing for prolonged periods risked miscarriage.

At that time, Freya saw her daughter pale and frail, lying on the hospital bed day and night. Even bathing required Freya’s assistance on the bed, breaking her mother’s heart. She had advised Charlotte to abandon the child because it was too exhausting.

Yet how could she persuade her? Though Charlotte appeared calm and obedient, her personality was truly stubborn. Once she set her mind, she wouldn’t waver.

Reflecting on these, Freya’s expression turned somber as she softly said, ”Charlotte just returned; let her rest well.”

Their good manners prevented her from using harsh language to drive him away, but she really didn’t like Atlas Hallow.

The Hallow Clan may have money, but isn’t Charlotte also a match for Atlas?

Atlas Hallow stood at the door, unwilling to leave yet unable to enter.

He remembered his promise to Charlotte and Freya not to put Charlotte in difficulty, but ultimately he caused her most pain and sorrow.

He had broken his promise.

He might not fully relate to understanding what it would mean for parents to entrust such a wonderful daughter to a man only to have him disappoint them, but he still intended to fight for it.

”Mommy, let him in.” Having already found here so swiftly surprised Charlotte somewhat, but wasn’t he Atlas Hallow after all?

Gazing at the figure behind the door, freshly showered Charlotte appeared to be still radiating steam, her wet hair tips accentuating her elegant face tinged with weariness.

Freya opened the door, allowing Atlas Hallow in. As he entered, Charlotte inhaled the musk scent along with him...

”Your speed is rather fast.” Charlotte sat on the sofa, biting her lip and watching Atlas Hallow with a tinge of annoyance.

A man, when he plays tricks, can truly be irksome, like a persistent pest, not easily shaken off.