Bride of Retribution: Aloof Billionaire's Dominant Game

”Stop fooling around, even waterproof tape can’t last long. Finish up quickly and come out.” Charlotte wiped the water off her face, thinking to herself that this man could really be playful, showing a childlike side she hadn’t expected.

Atlas didn’t make things more difficult for her and let Charlotte leave the bathroom. After drying off and changing into clean clothes, she came out.

With her hair slightly wet, Charlotte sighed softly, changed her clothes, and went out to make herself some rose tea.

The meal might not turn out great, but she could at least make some tea. A few beautiful rosebuds were steeped in the hot spring water, slowly blossoming and turning the clear spring water a gentle pink.

As expected, Atlas washed quickly. After changing into the comfortable loungewear she had prepared, he sat lazily on the sofa. Charlotte brought over two cups of rose tea. ”Repressing emotions is bad for the liver; there’s no need to be angry with Amir.”

Atlas took the cup, had a sip, then said softly, ”I’m not angry; I’m disappointed.”

While he seemed indifferent, Atlas deeply cherished the little family connection he had left. After all, with his parents gone, his only blood relatives were Mia and Amir.

It wasn’t that he was careless — perhaps subconsciously, he was gambling, hoping he could hold onto this fragile family bond. Unfortunately, he lost the gamble and nearly lost his life.

Thinking about this still left Charlotte feeling a bit uneasy.

She set down the teacup and lay gently on Atlas’s strong chest. ”Don’t be disappointed; it’s in his nature as a father, just as my love for you and yours for me is unavoidable...”

With just those words, she dispelled all his suppressions. He was angry at the betrayal he faced despite placing his trust in Amir.

But with Charlotte’s reminder of human nature, the knot in his heart was untied. How could he be angry with nature?

Yet the two brothers could never return to how they once were.

”I’m fortunate; his betrayal has strengthened your unwavering love. Charlotte, I vow never to let you down in this lifetime.” Atlas lowered his head, kissed her hair gently, and sensed that fragrance, more pleasing than the floral tea.

”A lifetime’s too long; let’s focus on cherishing today...” events had changed her perspective. Charlotte no longer worried about tomorrow. She only cared about spending each day well with him and Mia.

Atlas’s lips curled into an alluring smile, sending that electric thrum straight to her heart again. If this man set out to charm his way through life, he’s undoubtedly equipped for it.

At that moment, the doorbell rang; probably the food delivery had arrived.

Atlas stood up to answer the door, bringing in several meal boxes. ”Is it another pizza with an extra $35 cheese?”

He laughed, recalling Charlotte’s previous extravagant order of a double cheese pizza.

She really was adorable sometimes, especially when ordering food seemed to excite her so. But after placing the order, she often hardly ate any and needed more food. What did she order this time, he wondered.

He laid the meal boxes on the coffee table and opened them one by one.

”This seems like a feast.” Atlas quipped, handing over chopsticks to Charlotte.

”I have to make sure you recover well since you’re injured.” Charlotte nodded. Although she wasn’t so impressed by the food, she believed Atlas would enjoy it.

Foie gras fried rice, seafood soup, braised beef, sautéed bamboo shoots with shrimp, and a mixed salad. Not a lot, but enough for the two of them.

”You’re spending so much to keep me, so I have to make it worth your while.” Atlas teased, his deep eyes taking on a drunken look.

”Get real, you should go back to the Hallow Clan, I can’t really afford someone like you.” Charlotte quipped, popping a shrimp into her mouth, shaking her head as she ate.

It’s not that she couldn’t manage, but considering Atlas’s drive to make it worthwhile could leave anyone exhausted, given his slightly intimidating endurance.

It was all in jest. His business acumen and decisive nature made him naturally suited for the business world. This minor setback had no real impact; it only brought them closer together.

The misunderstandings between them had gradually dissolved, but something still felt missing. Now, it was as if both of them had clear and transparent hearts.

She loved this feeling.

Do not compete with time, just cherish each moment...

—————————————Dividing Line—————————————————

Though proposals had failed several times, this time Atlas felt the timing was right, and he couldn’t miss the opportunity.

Previously, he owed her much, especially regarding the wedding, a fact that Atlas always regretted—a girl’s first marriage is precious, yet he ruined it.

He had only taken a photo with her at the marriage registry and signed his name, sending Charlotte back to her family on her own, leaving a driver to deliver her into the Hallow family. This memory became an unending regret for Atlas.

He wanted to make up for all of it, not only to give Charlotte wonderful memories but also to fill the regret in his own heart.

Daniel Parker, usually able to remember everything by listening, had taken out a pen to jot things down. As Atlas delved deeper into details, Daniel realized his memory couldn’t handle it all, so jotting it down was necessary to ensure nothing went wrong.

He felt a bit annoyed—risking everything for his boss was his duty, but even the boss’s lifelong matters were foisted upon him—it was maddening.

What could he do? He felt helpless too.

”Is there more?” Daniel asked, glancing at the filled pages. Surely there was no more?

”Of course...” Atlas sipped his coffee and continued. This time, he had to succeed; he couldn’t delay anymore.

Operating without a license was risky. One day he might fail catastrophically.

Better to secure the license first.

At the end, Daniel looked at the filled notebook, slightly peeved, and posed the final question, ”Budget?”

”No budget.” When it came to her, there was no need for a budget—he would even pluck the moon if he could; a budget was irrelevant.

”These things can’t be done for free,” Daniel muttered daringly. It seemed too taxing—such elaborate lengths for a proposal, enough to exhaust someone to death. He merely voiced his feelings, knowing he couldn’t do more than that.

”Can’t comprehend it? Go back to the office and think it over. If you can’t figure it out, don’t leave work.” Atlas waved dismissively with a sardonic smile, signaling Daniel could leave his office.

What a nightmare...

Daniel slammed Atlas’s office door hard, returning to his own office.

Amir came to find Atlas just as the latter was about to leave the office. Tonight, he had a movie date with Charlotte because she had once complained they never dated like normal people. He wanted to recreate the dating experience for her.

”I can only give you ten minutes; any important matters must conclude within ten minutes, speak.” Romantic matters were prioritized above all. Even an ordinary movie during a courting period was treated with great care.

He specifically wore a wine-red shirt, pairing it with cufflinks, a tie, a belt, and even a watch—all carefully chosen. She liked him looking good, so he intended to stay that way for her.

”I’m sorry.” Amir stood behind Atlas, speaking in a soft voice. It felt as though he’d just awakened from a nightmare, yet the harsh reality demanded confrontation; it was relentlessly overpowering.

”I’ve repeatedly told my parents that I don’t like controlling the Hallow Clan; I don’t need such things, nor have I a desire for wealth. You’ve managed the company so well; I’ve never wished to compete for anything. This time, I genuinely couldn’t watch my father die.” Amir had thought his actions would provoke a serious lesson from Atlas, knowing his temperament wouldn’t let such things slide lightly, if not crushing him outright.

Yet, after several days of tranquility, Amir was perplexed, prompting him to seek answers.

If a cut was inevitable, one might as well make it quick; clarity was preferable to endlessly worrying.

Amir believed he understood his cousin well. Yet now, Atlas’s approach left him baffled.

Was this a slow punishment?