Bride of Retribution: Aloof Billionaire's Dominant Game

”Joshua Hughes...” Avery Jane pushed open the door, excitedly carrying several meal boxes. She saw someone in the office, hesitated for a moment, and then awkwardly shrank back a bit.

”You have a guest? Maybe I should leave first.” Avery Jane looked at the man sitting on the sofa, clad in a black suit and white shirt, perfectly immaculate.

”Come here.” Joshua Hughes extended his hand toward her, a gentle smile spreading across his lips. She appeared like that, her petite figure emerging from the doorway like a beautiful fairy, unexpectedly entering his life.

Avery Jane carried the meal boxes over, placed them on the table, and sat next to Joshua Hughes.

”This is my special assistant, Julian Carter, just returned from abroad,” Joshua Hughes briefly introduced the man sitting on the opposite sofa.

”Special assistant?” Avery Jane tilted her head, looking at Joshua Hughes. How did such an outstanding man end up working under Joshua Hughes? But these weren’t her concerns. Avery Jane smiled, pointed at the meal boxes, and said, ”I’ve packed lunch, Mr. Carter, join us.”

”No need.” The icy man stood up, turned, and walked out with no expression, as if he didn’t even want to engage in pleasantries.

Avery Jane stared at his departing figure, dumbfounded. This man indeed had such an attitude, seemingly even cooler than Joshua Hughes.

”What are you looking at? Is he that good-looking?” The man’s voice was low, carrying a hint of displeasure.

Avery Jane turned to look at him, her face not looking great, a bit dangerous indeed. Today she approached him for some business, and Avery Jane flashed him a flattering smile, ”Where? With that poker face, surely no girl would like him. You’re the best-looking, really.” Avery Jane pulled on his hand, smiling like a flower blossoming against the wind.

”Look, I packed specially, all of these are delicious.” Avery Jane began opening the meal boxes on the table, spicy chicken, steamed pork, and a portion of crispy fried yellow fish sprinkled with red chili.

Avery Jane took a whiff enthusiastically, ”Smells good, this place Emma White took me to eat, it was delicious.”

”Why do you suddenly love spicy food lately? No wonder your temper has gotten worse, like a little tigress.” Joshua Hughes glanced at the food on the table, curious why this young lady fancied such spicy things. Must have learned from the other girls in the office.

”Aren’t you blaming me?” Avery Jane picked up the chopsticks, took a bite of steamed pork, ”Try it; it’s very tasty.”

Joshua Hughes opened his mouth to enjoy this attentive service, the food really quite ordinary, yet because she fed him, it felt like the world’s most delicious fare.

Avery Jane held up the bowl of white rice, picked some dishes, and cheekily sat on Joshua Hughes’s lap, ”Is it tasty?”

Joshua Hughes was almost startled; she had never been so forward before, let alone sitting on his lap, even holding his hand was rare, always so shy. But today, what had gotten into her? Still, undeniably, he was enjoying it, utterly enchanted.

”After work today, I want to go shopping with Emma White, maybe buy something, is that okay?” Avery Jane shyly asked; a few unpleasant things happened before, so now after work, she usually went home straight away. She hesitated to tell him she’s planning to meet Beckett Wright because she feared he wouldn’t agree first, and second, feared he might overthink. So, she must devise a way that wouldn’t make him suspicious, then meet Beckett to learn the truth about her marriage status.

Joshua Hughes held the fragrant and soft figure in his arms, understanding her intent, all for this. Going out with the girls seemed harmless; he couldn’t possibly have her tied down forever. Yet, it always felt like there was something unexpected happening in such situations: ”It won’t be long, just a quick trip to the mall.” Avery Jane, seeing Joshua Hughes hesitate, reached out and encircled his neck, whispering softly.

Her scent was pleasant, subtly wafting into his nostrils. He leaned against her neck, taking a deep breath, ”Just for two hours, if you’re not punctual, you won’t be going out alone again in the future.”

”Got it.” Avery Jane calculated in her mind; just a chat, two hours was more than ample, nodding in agreement. Meanwhile, she tried to climb down from his lap. Truth be told, his thighs were long and strong, but the skin was a tad hard, not as comfortable as the sofa.

This little fellow was quite pragmatic; having accomplished her aim, she intended to sneak away.

Joshua Hughes’s large hand encircled her waist: ”Avery, you’ve changed too fast, haven’t you?” Watching her impatient demeanor, Joshua Hughes could only laugh helplessly. Lacking charm, he thought, for her to act slightly assertive, she must have a favor to ask. Reflecting on past experiences always forced her into a corner to seek help; too regretful to think of the past, even a moment felt sinful, seemingly a deep, irreparable guilt...

Avery Jane lowered her head in embarrassment; her assertiveness today was indeed purposeful, yet revealed without a word: ”Don’t be angry, okay? This is the office; what if someone comes in, how awkward would that be?” Avery Jane’s small hand tugged at his button, softly speaking.

”Avery, in my office, apart from you, no one else can enter.” Joshua Hughes watched her bow her head, her face gradually reddening, including the small, delicate ear lobes akin to jade pendants, slowly taking on a slight blush...