Bride of Retribution: Aloof Billionaire's Dominant Game

:”I asked you to come up just to make things clear, don’t waste your emotions on something that has no end. Donna, I will never fall in love with you. What just happened, Luis might have been impulsive, but I doubt you’re the virtuous martyr. I no longer wish to investigate how things transpired; take care of yourself. I’ve asked Luis to stay elsewhere, so the entire fifth floor is just for you. I’ve arranged a bodyguard for you to guarantee your safety at all times. Don’t say another word, nor make any demands; you don’t have the leverage to negotiate with me at any time.”

Joshua Hughes maintained a calm tone in his speech. He had just received a call from Avery Jane, which lifted his mood, and he didn’t want to ruin such a good feeling.

Donna lowered her head and bit her lip, hating him for speaking to her in such a manner, treating her like a stranger, even worse than a stranger.

He mocked her promiscuity, but who was truly responsible? If he hadn’t been selfish back then, revealing his true identity, she wouldn’t have sought other men. If he had continuously fulfilled her desires, she wouldn’t have engaged in others’ company. All of this was due to him...

Observing everything before her, the joyful atmosphere that should accompany the New Year celebrations in the U.S.A, the romance between couples—all carefully prepared by him—was surely for Avery Jane. It had to be her, but when she came up, the place was deserted. So Avery Jane is on the cruise but not here; she’s downstairs. Donna felt as if struck by lightning, realizing the preparations, the restriction of access to the top floor, were all for a surprise for that widow.

Donna glanced at the man’s back, standing on the deck, not even raising his head to look at her once. All that had transpired was like a mirage, leaving no trace in his heart, but he would remember; the bodies of men and women have memories. They once fitted so well together, thus forgetting is only temporary.

Returning to the room, she indeed found an additional bodyguard at her door. She understood Joshua Hughes’ intentions; protecting her safety was just an excuse, watching her to prevent any actions that might ruin his romantic gestures. He truly thinks ahead; looks like the cruise will indeed be lively these days.

”Avery Jane, who are you calling?” Emma White looked at Avery Jane’s shy expression. It’s a pity Avery Jane is spoken for, as many promising young men at the company fancy her. Just now in the restaurant, several invited her to be their dance partner for tonight’s first-day ball, but she kept shaking her head, refusing.

”My boyfriend.” Avery Jane nearly blurted out ”my husband,” but stopped short. They were secretly married, so she couldn’t let anyone know. Joshua Hughes said announcing their marriage would be difficult for her; she’d be followed by a group of bodyguards, unable to work, and couldn’t have her own personal space. She was terrified; if that happened, she’d be trapped in a cage, which would be unbearable.

:”When can we meet him? Show us the ace who picked the fairest flower of our company.” Emma White couldn’t help but feel curious about Avery Jane’s boyfriend. Several high-level managers, thirty-something eligible bachelors with perfect education and handsome salaries, had just expressed interest, yet Avery Jane barely glanced at them, only muttering ”Sorry” and rejecting them all. She’s truly devoted to her boyfriend.

:”Let’s talk about it later,” Avery Jane secretly thought that if she ever introduced Joshua Hughes to Emma White, she’d surely be startled.

:”What sort of man would you hide from us?” Emma White teased, watching Avery Jane smile and remain silent. But to win someone like Avery Jane over, her man must be quite exceptional.

:”Avery Jane, let’s go to the fourth floor to play. I heard the casino there offers women a thousand dollars in free chips. Let’s go and have some fun.” Emma White said excitedly.

:”That’s not a good idea; let’s go watch a movie,” Avery Jane suggested, having no idea how to gamble.

:”You can’t be serious; on a cruise, you have to gamble a bit—let’s go test our luck. With your radiant look, you’ll definitely win.” Emma White said and dragged Avery Jane to the fourth floor.

The casino staff quickly handed them ten chips each, each worth a hundred dollars. Avery Jane eyed the small chips, muttering softly, ”Can we just cash these out and leave?” The nearby staff, sweating, kindly reminded her, ”Miss, these can only be used as casino chips and cannot be cashed out, but you can exchange them after winning with them.”

Emma White pulled her into the lively casino, where there was everything. They stood by the simplest dice table and eagerly started playing.

Not far away, Luis Hughes watched the two women; isn’t that Joshua Hughes’ woman?

The one he had once slept with; why is she here too?

Is she someone from the company? How come I didn’t know? Since when was she around? Does this guy really think the Hughes Clan can let him cover it all up? How dare he plant a mistress in the Hughes Clan, freeloading? He’ll have to explain himself to everyone, especially since the woman residing at the old mansion is already pregnant, right?

Such an irresponsible, indecisive man like him shouldn’t manage the entire Hughes Clan.

Joshua Hughes listened to the staff’s final report, confirming tonight’s fireworks were all ready. He intended to give this adorable little woman an unforgettable evening and personally experience one himself. Imagining sharing the world’s ultimate pleasure with her beneath the most dazzling fireworks, it promised to be a wonderfully sublime experience.

Everything was set; now they awaited evening, when all the red and golden crystal lights would shine. He planned to personally escort his queen; she had won his heart.

”Miss Avery Jane, the investment department manager requested you go to him immediately to confirm something.”

A staff member approached Avery Jane, whispering, trying not to disturb others’ enjoyment.

Avery Jane handed her chips to Emma White, ”Emma, I’ll be back, you stay here and enjoy yourself; I’ll come find you shortly.” Unsure of what the personnel department wanted, she thought it was agreed not to discuss work these days, focusing on fun instead. She followed the guiding staff out of the casino and headed deeper into the ship.

:”Why deep inside here?” Avery Jane observed the staff leading her further, with significantly fewer people around. The ship could accommodate at least five thousand people, but the company only welcomed under a thousand top employees, keeping it spacious.

:”Here it is, Miss Avery Jane.” The staff pointed to the last room, its door ajar. Avery Jane gently knocked twice; a man’s low voice answered, ”Come in.” Avery Jane hesitated momentarily but then reassured herself; she’s among colleagues from the company, hence safely entered.

The room’s curtains were drawn, curious about why, since the sunshine was pleasant, opening them would reveal beautiful scenery. This room resembled those downstairs, just more spacious. At its center stood a set of deep blue sofas, matching the cruise’s simple yet elegant blue-and-white theme. Seated on the sofa was a tall, slender man; she found him faintly familiar, as though seen somewhere before. Suddenly realizing, he slightly resembled Joshua Hughes; his features vaguely echoed Joshua’s, except Joshua was far more captivating...

”Hello, may I ask what you need from me?” Avery Jane asked hesitantly; her mind had been wandering. It hasn’t been that long since she last saw him, yet her heart fluttered sweetly and shyly.

”How forgetful you are, forgetting me so soon?” Luis Hughes smirked evilly; this woman was such a seductress in bed, yet now so shy, like a student summoned by a teacher for questioning—how amusing. Luis Hughes found satisfaction in his thoughts; naturally, she’d forget him, as that day she mistook him for Joshua Hughes, allowing him everything without protest.

Remembering was delightful; though Joshua Hughes treasured her, he’d been driven to nearly ruin by Luis Hughes’ actions. But how to make her remember him? A chilling, sinister gleam began arising in the man’s eyes...

The man’s gaze filled her with dread. Avery Jane stepped back, her clear eyes exposing fear.

She sensed she shouldn’t have come; superiors exploiting subordinates for benefits was a common news story. Why hadn’t she anticipated this risk? She knew she should leave immediately, grasping her phone tightly like clutching a lifesaver, she devised a plan for escape—this man truly repulsed her.