Bride of Retribution: Aloof Billionaire's Dominant Game

If the darkness lurking in the shadows is aimed at Avery Jane, then? Who would understand his relationship with her, who would understand his feelings for her? He thought he had been very discreet, yet her identity must have been exposed. Those who couldn’t find any weakness in him would look to those around him, and Avery Jane clearly was the perfect vulnerability.

: ”They must meticulously investigate anyone who has come into contact with these candies, even those who have merely seen them, leaving no stone unturned.” Joshua Hughes slowly crushed the hard candy as if gripping an ugliest heart, coldly smirking, his voice resembling that of Lord Satan in Inferno: ”Not a single one.” To dare harm the one dear to his heart, they truly must have been courting disaster.

The black-clad bodyguards needed no further instructions from Joshua Hughes, directing the removal of all snacks, even fruits, from the deck via earpiece communication, to be tested one by one. Danger might not just lie within that particular orange-flavored candy; if someone were sincere about poisoning, they wouldn’t place it in just one candy, the probability is low. Therefore, any food being sent to the top deck now must be thoroughly checked by them, as premium bodyguards are not only meant to block bullets at critical moments but also ensure their employer’s safety in every aspect at all times.

A few neatly dressed staff members walked gingerly, not daring to make any noise. Heavy red velvet drapes hung around the tent set up on the deck; they carefully removed all snacks, and all the small transparent flower-shaped tables were replaced with fresh flowers. A massive preservation room was on the lowest deck filled with replaceable flowers for the past few days, which were exchanged almost every half day to maintain the best visual effect.

Gradually, the sun soared higher, the warmth over the sea became pleasant and comfortable. The previously tense and stern atmosphere on the deck faded; radiant red roses passionately showed off under the sunlight.

What an alluring little thing, even during sleep, she hadn’t shifted position, curled up sideways with smooth breathing, her small flushed face made her look irresistibly charming.

”Avery, Avery, wake up and eat something...” He sat on the couch, his long fingers gliding over her cheek, tucking stray hair behind her ear, revealing a perfectly contoured and delicate profile.

She didn’t even open her eyelids, impatiently furrowing her brows in her sleep, continuing to snooze without any sign of waking...

Outside, warm sunlight gradually streamed in, white long-fur rugs covered the tent on the deck, mirroring scattered fine gold dust. Avery Jane remained asleep, unclear about when she drifted off yesterday. When the sun reached its zenith, warming her body, she subconsciously felt a man’s strong hand roving across her body. She instinctively nuzzled into the soft pillow, seeking a comfortable spot to prolong her sleep.

Yet, why was this man so bothersome? Abruptly her eyes snapped open, meeting the deep, darker-than-night gaze of Joshua Hughes.

Her eyes opened, initially unreactive, dazedly watching the man’s face approaching; Joshua Hughes chuckled softly, gently kissing her lips.

Casually dressed, his loose clothing unable to mask his solid, smooth physique; Avery Jane instinctively tried to pull away, yet he held her firmly.

”Joshua Hughes...” Avery Jane muttered softly, calling his name.

”Avery, call me Joshua.” He whispered near her lips, full name sounding dreadfully distant.

”I want some water.” Avery Jane felt parched; Joshua Hughes rose, poured her a cup of warm water, and handed it to her while seated at the bedside.

Considering the sun’s current height and heat output, Avery couldn’t believe she overslept past noon. If not for this man’s interference, she might’ve continued sleeping.

”Avery, how about we eat a little and then go back to sleep?” Joshua Hughes remarked seeing her misty eyes, couldn’t resist brushing her long hair soothingly. Joshua Hughes was known within the Hughes Clan for his decisive nature, his words were seldom contradicted, yet here he was, amusingly coaxing a young lady to eat, which was indeed rare.

Avery Jane’s eyes widened instantly, staring at him in alarm. What was he planning?

Joshua Hughes chuckled helplessly; her expression appeared frightened, yet was he truly that intimidating?

Pondering silently, even sleeping came with hesitation? Avery Jane sat up; the high-calorie food from yesterday was utterly burnt off, genuinely feeling hungry.

His lips curved with an enticing smile: ”I’ll prepare us lunch, make it fast, alright?”

He no longer teased, Avery Jane sighed in relief.

Avery Jane’s face showed some irritation as she gazed at Joshua Hughes’s majestic silhouette; this man akin to a vigorous black panther, dangerous yet captivating. While Donna exuded a striking wild beauty, they seemed more fitting together. Although he claimed that was past, prior to meeting her, she couldn’t help but imagine their intimate moments, feeling an unexplained bitterness.