Bride of Retribution: Aloof Billionaire's Dominant Game

When the waiter brought over a plate of croissants, there were also several small dishes on the side. Besides the light golden honey, there were fresh fruit jams and a dish of almond butter. Avery Jane was excited and wanted to try a bit of everything. It had been a long time since she had the chance to have a meal with a friend she knew. Lately, she had only been eating alone or with just one other person. Although Joshua Hughes always sent the best food, it never seemed as delicious as this crispy and soft bread.

Tearing off a piece of bread and dipping it in honey, she asked, ”Why would I be shooting a commercial?” She was curious too; knowing her disposition, she wasn’t one to enjoy bustling places.

”It’s because...” Before Beckett Wright could finish, a man’s deep and elegant voice answered from behind, ”It’s because you were mischievous and insisted on trying it out, which caused Mr. Wright quite a bit of trouble.” The overwhelming aura that surged forth from behind made one subconsciously yield to his presence. Joshua Hughes—apart from this man, Beckett had never felt such an unparalleled sharpness emanating from another.

He sat down beside Avery Jane, a charming and sexy smile curving his thin lips. Taking Avery’s small hand, he guided the honey-dipped bread into his own mouth, and as he did so, he playfully licked Avery’s delicate fingers, saying lovingly, ”How could you be so careless, getting honey all over your fingers while eating bread?”

Avery Jane blushed involuntarily, ”Joshua Hughes, you know Beckett Wright too?” Were the two of them acquainted as well? How come Joshua had never mentioned it?

”We’ve met a few times.” Joshua’s sharp hawk-like eyes fixed on Beckett, warning him not to say too much.

Beckett was still unclear about the situation, so he naturally didn’t say much. The waiter, noticing the arrival of a new guest, brought over the menu.

”Same as hers.” Joshua didn’t look at the menu, saying casually while his large hand grasped Avery’s small hand beneath the table.

”Joshua Hughes, why didn’t you ever tell me I had shot a commercial?” Avery struggled to withdraw her hand, but he held on even tighter, his slightly dry but warm large hand enclosing her tender small one.

”Are you embarrassed to ask? Who was it that said they wanted to experience what it felt like to be a star?” Joshua’s tone mingled indulgence with a hint of blame, which was laced with even more indulgence. Avery looked at Beckett. Was it true? Her heart was filled with questions.

”Let’s eat the pasta first; it tastes bad when it’s cold.” Soon after, three portions of Italian seafood pasta were served at the table.

The pasta was indeed delicious, justifying its price with genuine ingredients. The rich noodles paired with fresh and springy prawns made Avery exclaim how tasty it was. Watching Avery eat happily, Beckett intended to give her the two tempting prawns from his uneaten pasta. However, just as he used his fork to pick them up, Joshua had already placed the prawns from his dish into Avery’s plate. As Avery focused on eating, she didn’t notice Joshua’s icy, warning gaze. Beckett froze, pondering bitterly that he didn’t even have the right to offer her a prawn, yet who was this man to casually do so? He must be hiding quite a lot from Avery. If Avery would be happy with him, naturally there’d be no issue. But if not, if he were to deceive her, Beckett would do all he could to protect her.

”Why aren’t you eating?” Avery slowly ate her pasta, asking curiously, then as if remembering something, she continued, ”Joshua, how did you know I was eating here?” Avery had a slight suspicion in her heart—did this man need to monitor her whereabouts twenty-four hours a day?

”I finished work early today and originally planned to have dinner with you tonight, so I called and came over when I found out.” It had been days since he last dined with Avery.

The meal soon ended. Standing at the door, Avery said goodbye to Beckett while Joshua went to get the car. The two bodyguards followed at a distance.

”Avery, he’s a very complex person. Be careful; don’t believe everything he says.” Beckett watched Joshua’s car approach the entrance, still smiling gently, as he couldn’t let Joshua perceive anything. Yet Avery was living in a web of lies. What Joshua said earlier was false; Avery had been in desperate need of money at the time because of her husband’s lab issues, showing how Joshua’s schemes ran deep. He hurried over to prevent Beckett from saying too much to Avery. Today, Beckett didn’t have the chance, but they had already exchanged numbers and contact methods; he would eventually find an opportunity to tell Avery about her past. Her life should be her choice, not one submerged in lie after lie.

Beckett’s words made Avery pause for a moment, but seeing Joshua’s car pull up, she immediately smiled and waved at Beckett, ”See you next time.”

Getting into the car, Joshua held the steering wheel with one hand and reached over to grasp her small hand with the other, ”What were you two talking about? You deliberately sent me away, forcing me to fetch the car.”

Actually, Avery wanted her friend’s phone number but feared Joshua would be displeased, which is why she insisted on sending Joshua to get the car, though she never expected Beckett’s words.

”Nothing, he just asked if I was interested in doing a summer commercial.” Avery came up with the simplest excuse, but it was also likely the most believable.

”Of course not; once is enough. I don’t want my wife’s beauty to be shared with every man in the world.” Joshua raised her hand and kissed it gently. ”Does Beckett have any ulterior motives? Even if Avery doesn’t sense it, he could feel that naked affection in Beckett’s eyes. Beckett wants to find an opportunity to get close. Doesn’t he know whose woman this is?”

Avery smiled faintly, her long lashes casting shadows over her eyes, remaining as quiet as an elementary school student along the way.

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The Old House of the Hughes Family

Evelyn Yates’ eyes were red today. It was her birthday. Normally, even if Joshua Hughes didn’t care much about her, he should at least come back to see her. But she had waited all day into the evening, only to realize that maybe no one reminded Joshua it was her birthday. Otherwise, why hadn’t he even made a congratulatory call? Even if he frolics around with other women all day, he should come back and spend this time with her.

Underneath the Hughes Family castle, there was a secret chamber, a massive vault. He had once returned at midnight to take a necklace of supposedly invaluable Kashmir Blue Sapphires; she was secretly delighted back then, thinking it was for her. But she seemed to have rejoiced too soon—for no gift appeared, nor did he.

Her belly was already quite large, and her feet had started to swell a bit. Her slender ankles looked terribly unflattering and she could no longer wear her beautiful heels. Her breasts had swollen significantly, even turning her *** dark. The ointment, claimed to be safe and free of side effects, offered no relief. Fine lines began to appear on her belly, nearly driving her insane.

She picked up the phone, uncertain whether she should call Joshua. She should tell him, as on such an important day, she hoped he would come to accompany her even for a while.

Joshua was in the bathroom taking a shower, initially wanting to pull the young lady in with him. However, today, no matter what he said, she refused, insisting that he shower first. Even now, she remained shy and reserved.

Both of his phones lay quietly by the bed, and one began ringing at this moment. Avery, holding her change of clothes, glanced at the unfamiliar number and decided not to answer. This wasn’t Joshua’s private line, so it must be work-related. Let it ring. Avery picked a set of pajamas, intending to go out and drink some water, but the phone kept ringing. She stepped forward, picked up the phone...