Bride of Retribution: Aloof Billionaire's Dominant Game

”No. It’s stunning. How much is it?” Avery Jane had never liked a piece of jewelry this much before, but this one necklace made her fall for it completely, ridiculously so. Every line of it seemed alive, layers of light and dark, every delicate strand weaving together.

”This one’s not for sale.” Beckett Wright watched the look on Avery’s face. Over the past few months he didn’t even know how many drafts he’d drawn, sheet after sheet torn up by him, until this final design. He’d planned to give it to her when the time was right. This ’Spread’ set actually included a ring as well, but he hadn’t taken it out, because that was meant for her eyes only.

”I ordered braised ribs over rice today—do you like that?” Beckett knew that if he tried to treat her to some fancy meal, she simply wouldn’t agree to come, so these past few days he’d practically scoured every little restaurant nearby, carefully tasting the food, comparing prices, only then feeling reassured enough to bring her there.

Just the thought of ribs made her feel a little nauseated for no reason; probably the instant noodles she’d eaten these past two days had upset her stomach.

”Anything’s fine.” Avery gave a faint smile, and Beckett was momentarily dazed. Her smile was like the pear blossoms just opening on a pear tree; even his heartbeat seemed to stumble out of rhythm.

”Joshua, this necklace is so gorgeous, I want it. Tonight it’ll go perfectly with my silver gown...” That sugary, coy little voice sounded right beside them. Avery’s whole body went taut, because she’d heard the one name she least wanted to hear. He’s here too? Accompanying his new girlfriend shopping? She’d been afraid he’d bother her, but clearly that had just been her overthinking it.

In her clear eyes there was a hint of dazed confusion. It really was him. Maybe he hadn’t even come close to her yet, but that scent, the one that belonged to him, was already wrapping around her layer by layer, like some enormous cocoon.

A fierce, icy presence swept in, overwhelming...

”What’s wrong, where do you feel bad?” Beckett’s arm hovered around her, supporting her lightly, his gaze flowing across her face. ”You’re probably just hungry. Let’s go upstairs and eat first.” He kept a temporary design studio here, convenient for discussing private haute couture with clients.

Her expression remained vague and unfocused as she slowly nodded. She wanted to leave here as quickly as possible, hide herself away, not see him, not see...

Her stomach gave a light stab of pain; it had been happening often lately. But now that she’d heard his name, her stomach seemed both cold and painful, and fine beads of sweat slowly broke out across her face.

Joshua Hughes watched the scene before him. He didn’t understand. He didn’t understand what kind of spell he’d been under back then, how he could have agreed to let her go. How he’d driven himself into this corner, and in doing so forced her to stand at another man’s side. He was actually standing here watching Beckett’s hand almost circle her waist? From the very first moment he stepped into Grant he’d seen her, standing there, delicate and translucent like a tiny crystal figurine, those deep-sea eyes looking back at him. He knew she worked in this plaza, but he’d never expected to run into her at this moment. And now there was a woman at his side, and a man at hers.

Joshua slowly walked up to her, his deep-set eyes fixed on her, his voice low and rough. ”Avery Jane, have you been well lately?”

He didn’t know if she was doing well—but he himself was not doing well at all...

Avery lowered her head, turning her face away to speak to Beckett. ”Let’s go, quickly, or I’ll be late.” She simply had no way to face Joshua, didn’t even dare lift her eyes to him. She’d thought she would hate him, but when she met him again she found that what she felt even more than hatred was a kind of powerlessness, a helplessness that surged up from the bottom of her heart and left her unable to remain in front of him for even one more second.

”Hey, how can you be so rude, Joshua is talking to you!” The young model’s face was full of pride; used to being adored, her tone was naturally unpleasant. She stretched out a slender arm and gave a push. This woman was really annoying—best if she hurried up and got out of the way.

Beckett had only been loosely supporting Avery, and he’d never imagined that woman would actually lay hands on her. He was standing very close to Avery, so he had no time to intercept the shove. Avery swayed and then collapsed to the floor, great drops of sweat rolling down from her forehead, her complexion instantly turning paper-white.

As if a thin wire were stabbing in from the tailbone and piercing out through her abdomen, a razor-sharp pain shot from some hidden point, then spread quickly, her whole belly heavy with pain, leaving her unable to stand. In her lower abdomen it felt as though some hot liquid was slowly beginning to seep out. Avery’s lips trembled, her pale little hand pressing against her stomach, her face white as paper...

”Avery Jane, what’s wrong with you?” Beckett watched, frantic, as Avery crumpled to the ground, her complexion terrifyingly off. She couldn’t stand at all anymore. He shouted toward the staff in the store, ”Go move my car to the plaza entrance, hurry...” while he tossed out his car keys. With one long reach he scooped Avery’s slight body up from the floor and sprinted toward the plaza exit.

Thick lashes hid all expression in the man’s eyes. Outside the store, reporters who hadn’t dispersed yet were snapping photos of the scene inside.

”Let’s go.” Joshua’s gaze swept over the necklace displayed in the showcase. On the silver placard beneath it were embossed heart-shaped patterns, and the word ”Spread” printed there. His fist slowly clenched, the broad joints standing out, turning white.

”She just fell, that’s all. She’s really delicate, more delicate than me, isn’t she, Joshua...” The young model cooed, sneaking a glance at the man beside her from the corner of her eye. He seemed to know that woman—could she be someone from his past? But she’d only given her a gentle little push, so how did she end up falling like that? Would he be mad?