Aurora admitted that she was not well-versed in matters of love and intimacy. If Julian had responded to her in such a manner, she would have definitely not replied. Alison, however, understood exactly what men wanted and composed another message, filled with implications that Aurora would rarely encounter, making her blush and feel her heart race just by watching. It was something that would work on men.
Paul was particularly susceptible to such allure. After Alison’s provocation, the calm lasted only a few days before his old habits resurfaced. It felt as if a cat had scratched at his heart. Glancing at his wife applying a facial mask in the room, he quietly made a few phone calls. Soon after, his wife’s phone rang, “A party? Sure, I’m bored anyway. Let’s stay up all night.”
Sometimes, being too familiar with someone made it easy to exploit their weaknesses. Everyone had vulnerabilities, and once someone grasped them, they could easily be led by the nose. Hearing the sounds from the room, Paul smirked triumphantly and sent Alison a message, “Your big brother will be here soon! I’ll make sure you’re well-fed tonight.”
Alison handed her phone to Aurora, showing her the message.
“See, I told you so.”
Aurora nodded, “I’m definitely not as good as you at handling this kind of situation.”
“He’ll be here in less than half an hour, and I’ll give you the stuff first thing tomorrow morning.”
“Okay, I should leave now, but if you’re in danger, remember to call me.”
Initially, Aurora had only intended to use Alison to retrieve some hair through a painful scheme.
Little did she know, Alison chose to deploy a beauty trap, and it seemed likely now that there would be a showdown. After all, Aurora had instigated the matter and felt a sense of guilt, as if she had dragged Alison back into the mire.
Seeing her worried expression, Alison chuckled, “I didn’t expect you to be so adorable. Don’t worry, what could possibly happen to me? It’s just sex, and it doesn’t concern you. To sleep with a man for a million dollars is a deal others would beg for, plus he’s good in bed, so I’m not losing out.”
“I only needed five strands of hair, and there could have been other ways… not necessarily this…”
Alison’s expression shifted.
“Mr. Montgomery, accustomed to your high position, how could you understand us, the weeds in the soil? Our vitality is much stronger than you think. Besides agreeing to your request, I have my own reasons.”
She could vividly recall the moment Paul looked at her with contempt, his voice cold.
“Slut! Did you think you were some virtuous woman? If it weren’t for your seduction, how would I have ended up in this situation?”
Indeed, even he thought so; she might as well be ruined in his eyes. Previously, although Alison played around, she never intended to wreck his home. She was clear-headed; if Paul sought only pleasure, and she only money, their relationship was merely transactional. What truly hurt her was Paul insulting her in front of so many people to please his wife.
After sharing their bed for so long, he didn’t have to use such hurtful words to part ways with her. Thus, her current goal was to methodically dismantle the self-esteem and family of that arrogant woman. She wasn’t exalted above, while she herself was lowly as dust, was she? Even so, she would never let her have an easy life! What could she even be afraid of losing now? Her life was already a mess; could things possibly get any worse? Aurora saw the look of vengeance in her eyes-a look she knew all too well, having once directed it at Genevieve herself.
“Fine.”
Everyone had their choices to make, and she was neither Alison’s family nor even her friend, so what right did she have to plan her future? Whatever the road ahead turned into, it was her own chosen path.
Aurora left, carrying a bag, her heart filled with a hint of melancholy; Alison had already paid for her mistakes. Whatever she did next was none of her concern now; they were all adults and knew what they were doing. It was getting late, and Aurora didn’t return to the villa but instead checked into a room at the Grand Belcourt.
This hotel, owned by Hayden, had an exclusive suite on the top floor that belonged to her. Now, remembering that person only left her feeling calm and detached. She felt neither love nor hatred; that person had completely left her world, and now there was room only for one in her mind and heart. Back at the hotel, that person hadn’t called her, leaving Aurora restless and agitated as she took a bath.
She didn’t even bother to dry her hair, just sat in her bathrobe, her wet hair loose, gazing at the dimly lit distance. She lit a cigarette, the first in a long while since being with Julian, and as the smoke swirled before her eyes, a veil of sadness covered Aurora’s face. Love was indeed injurious, and now she truly understood that. That person had dominated her world with such an imposing presence, only to vanish suddenly. It felt as though a piece had been gouged out of her heart, leaving an empty void, unaware that Julian was right next door.
He hadn’t called Aurora, fearing it might reveal his whereabouts. Eric had followed Aurora all day, and seeing that he wasn’t around, he was sure to take action. Aurora’s gaze was icy as she stared at the distant lights. Unlike her desolation, Paul rushed into the presidential suite as quickly as he could.
“Little minx, did you miss me?” he greeted her with a warm smile, as if they had never been apart or uttered hurtful words. Alison pretended not to remember the past and welcomed him enthusiastically. They quickly ended up in bed, unaware of the pinhole camera in front of the television. She snuggled into his arms, “I thought you’d never come to see me again.”
“How could I not? My little darling is so warm, how could I forget you?” he replied.
“Your wife is young and beautiful, and she’s the only one in your heart.”
“Cut it out, that harpy can’t compare to my little darling.”