Bride of Retribution: Aloof Billionaire's Dominant Game

”Joshua, whatever it is, we can talk it over.”

Grace Roe just thought that maybe this girl named Avery Jane really intrigued her son, or perhaps men simply favored beautiful women, a little fascinated by novelty.

But now it seemed far from simple. Over the years, it was the first time she saw such tenderness in her son’s eyes.

She always felt Joshua Hughes was an everlasting icy mountain, cold and unyielding, impossible to melt.

Yet when he looked at that girl, his eyes were like a pool of passionate waters, shimmering invitingly; if he weren’t her son, even she might be captivated by such an allure.

”This isn’t the place you should come to. I’ve given way; don’t take a mile when given an inch.”

Joshua didn’t even glance at his mother, stepping forward.

He pulled Avery Jane’s hair aside, revealing several wounds with traces of blood, as if marked by a beast. Against the backdrop of her pale, smooth skin, they appeared all the more horrifying.

His eyes darkened further, full of a terrible fury threatening to erupt like dangerous lava.

Avery Jane looked at Harper Johnson, who had fallen to the ground, and Evelyn Yates sitting on the sofa in shock, now seeming somewhat pitiful. Although pitiful people often have contemptible aspects, she couldn’t bear to see a more gruesome scene unfold.

”I want to go upstairs.” Her voice was soft, lightly as a butterfly among flowers, her eyes as clear as the sky gazed at him.

The man’s eyes, dark and sharp like an eagle’s, veiled the undertows beneath.

She was such a silly girl, trying to defuse the situation for others without leaving a trace.

”You have nothing to say?”

Joshua’s deep, pleasant voice resonated by her ear, but what was there for her to say? It was normal for the wife to deal with the mistress, and wasn’t it appropriate to celebrate the patron’s favor towards her, sparing her much embarrassment and even trying to win her some face?

But in the end, it was still the same; Evelyn Yates would be his rightful wife someday, and if she managed to escape, it would be a delightful outcome. If not, she would spend her life under the shadow of being a mistress or a second wife.

Would she also become a hysterical woman like Harper Johnson years later?

How terrifying, sure she won’t; she wouldn’t have children for this man, nor would she allow her offspring to become illegitimate or be the child of a so-called concubine.

”Isn’t this what I deserve? After all, I’m really just a mistress, unwilling and reluctant as I may be.”

Her words were clear, though she secretly appreciated the man for coming back to shield her at this moment. Yet, she was still a person with a sense of shame; such matters had already occurred to her, and even if Joshua stood up for her, she didn’t have any moral ground to stand on.

Joshua gazed at Avery Jane’s calm face. This damned woman—he truly wished he could open up her heart to see.

Having just received a call, fearing she’d be aggrieved, worrying she might be bullied, had him almost recklessly slamming the accelerator to rush back, only to find her cold faced.

She truly seemed heartless, or perhaps her heart followed Lucas Yates to the grave, buried in cold earth.

Evelyn watched her mother sitting on the ground, who merely spoke the truth for her sake, and wondered why she faced such treatment.

Yet she bore the man’s child within her own belly, unnoticed.

Unable to believe it, she went forward, wrapping soft arms around Joshua’s waist, pressing against his strong back: ”Joshua, how can you be like this? I am the mother of your soon-to-be-born child, destined to be Mrs. Hughes.”

Her voice sobbed, yet failed to sway or arouse any tender sentiment within the man.

Joshua pushed her away, his strong, determined brows flashing with evident annoyance, his tone icy: ”If you want to be Mrs. Hughes, then settle down and give birth to the child honestly. But don’t think having this child gives you free rein. In the Hughes Family, you must abide by my rules, understand?”

Joshua knew the Yates Family considered this child their lifeline, so they would surely birth the child obediently; after all, the child would bear the Hughes name, and he hoped it would be born safe and sound, right?

His words carried a warning, leaving Evelyn standing there, dazed. Ten months—if she could endure ten months, she could be the rightful Mrs. Hughes, and everything would be alright then.

Listening to the faint sobbing behind, Joshua chuckled coldly, his sensual lips curling into a cruel arc.

”Is it really about money?” Inside Joshua’s fifth-floor bedroom, his low voice rippled through the air.

”If money could buy you, I’d give you everything, wouldn’t I?” Joshua truly felt powerless against this problem like never before in his life.

How difficult was it to keep her?

Even rebuilding the Hughes Clan on ruins seemed trivial compared to his desperate attempts to warm Avery Jane’s heart, seemingly as cold as a stone.

”Give me a child. I will give everything to our child...” Watching her gaze grow ever more distant, he held her tightly, kissing her fiercely.

No health issues between them—why still no news?

The curtain veiled all shame-filled, blush-inducing scenes...

------------------------------ Separator -------------------------------

In the coffee shop that afternoon, Avery Jane sat by the window, sunlight slowly streaming through, illuminating her somewhat pale face.

After such an event, akin to a farce, anyone’s complexion wouldn’t be good.

She and Joshua had once again fallen into that awkward loop.

It was nearing the year’s end, the busiest time for all companies, let alone one like the Hughes Clan. He was busy enough not to touch the ground, sometimes coming home very late, after she’d already fallen into a deep sleep, and he’d leave early the next morning.

Everything became unsettlingly calm; Evelyn had not troubled her again, but living under one roof inevitably led to occasional encounters. Avery Jane felt her hateful, jealous stares like a venomous snake’s flickering crimson tongue, unsettling.

”Avery Jane, what are you thinking?” Nora Thompson sat across from her, a serene face bearing traces of fatigue.

”May I get you something?” The server asked politely.

”Just water, thank you.” Nora smiled faintly—she only liked drinking water.

”Senior, how have you been recently?”

Avery Jane looked at Nora’s face, more haggard than last time. Her fair face still bore clean eyes, albeit cloaked with faint dark circles.

”Not very well. Business war is a man’s forte; men excel over women in logical thinking and physicality; it’s an unchangeable fact from past till present. Avery Jane, how can the sexes be equal? Gender equality is forever impossible.”

Nora breathed a long sigh.

”Why, senior?” Avery Jane sipped her hot tea, the rising steam blurring her vision.

”In many aspects, from physical to psychological.”

Nora watched Avery Jane’s face, seemingly simple yet robust and stubborn, as naive as a child and more alluring than any mature woman, filled with feminine softness. She was someone who made people want to cherish and protect her, wishing she wouldn’t thrust herself into the merciless, dark business wars.

There once was a time she hoped for careful protection, yet received unwelcome challenges she had to face rationally.

”Let’s not talk about me. Avery Jane, here everything’s almost done. I’ve sought Dr. Yates’ former assistant, and obtained space in the building. All equipment will be moved next month; I’ve arranged for it. Also, Dr. Yates’ mother—you must counsel her well. Avery Jane, pursuing the life you want freely is most crucial. After you go abroad, I will have my senior take good care of you; the job I’ve contacted is very suitable for you. Avery Jane, too many things aren’t under my control anymore; I hope you can be.”

Nora sincerely eyed Avery Jane—the good girl deserved happiness.