Chapter 117

The room was stuffy, filled with the heavy scent of various aromatherapy oils, making it almost hard to breathe. Winnie felt dizzy, her cheeks flushing red as if she might faint at any moment. She couldn't take it anymore and pleaded, "Mr. Marlowe, please let me go." She had barely rested these past few days, especially those nights in the desert; her body was at its limit. Last night, she was so irritable and ashamed that she didn't dare to have the servants change the sheets. Finally, after her vague plea, Van relented and carried her to the bathroom. The bathroom was bright and spacious, with a 16-feet-long marble countertop and a mirror of the same length reflecting her image clearly. In the mirror, her hair was a mess, her clothes disheveled, looking nothing like her usual delicate and elegant self. Meanwhile, Van was still in his neat black robe, expressionless, his cold gaze carrying an undeniable intimidation. This scene made Winnie feel unprecedentedly embarrassed, tears welling up in her eyes. If it hadn't been for such excessive behavior, combined with his cold refusal this morning to lend money, she wouldn't have been so angry as to leave directly. Just then, Van kissed her, stirring up the anger she had just calmed down. However, she had no strength left to resist; she could only turn her face away, trembling, and call out softly, "Mr. Marlowe..." Van responded casually, "What?" "I... I'm still angry..." she whispered, her voice weak yet full of grievance. Van paused, gently releasing her. "What are you still angry about?" "You put Wendy next to me, clearly to keep an eye on me." Winnie finally couldn't hold it in anymore and pushed him away, turning to get off the bed. Her nightgown was thin, and the curves of her chest were almost entirely exposed to his gaze. His eyes darkened, as though he could see straight through her heart. He let out a heavy sigh, his brow furrowing slightly. "At the time, I was only thinking about work. Wendy hasn't done anything to betray you, so don't blame her." Winnie quickly grabbed a blanket to wrap around herself, pushing him away and signaling for him to leave. But Van didn't leave right away. He bent down wearily and gently pulled her into a hug. "I've been exhausted lately. I was planning to rest here for a bit." His kiss lightly brushed her ear, his deep voice carrying a note of helplessness. "I know I didn't handle things well. Let's take two days to cool off. I'll come to you once you've had time to calm down." As the door opened, the two girls outside immediately cleared their throats, like two little birds hurriedly separating, pretending to walk away casually. Winnie knew very well in her heart that the soundproofing of the room was excellent. She calmly tidied her disheveled hair and said, "Take Mr. Marlowe downstairs." Yulia responded casually, her gaze sweeping over Van. She noticed his tie was slightly loose, his shirt a bit wrinkled, making him look out of place. Winnie shot Wendy a cold glance. "Wendy, let's go together." Wendy's eyes widened, and Van casually tugged at her shoulder. "Let her rest, don't disturb her." Their footsteps gradually faded downstairs, and the sound of the car engine started. Van paused, slightly lifting his head to look at the window on the second floor. The curtain was half open, empty inside, only the traces of a light breeze stirring. Wendy sat in the car, and Winnie's words echoed in her mind, "Then what do you call the things he did in the car with that female celebrity?" She felt uneasy, her eyes shifting around, but Van's cold voice broke through: "Don't move around, stay quiet." "Didn't you say you would handle this? Why is it still not ready?" Wendy provoked. Van's brow slightly furrowed. "Shut up." "You won't delay my business, will you?" Wendy was already starting to worry about her own interests. Van raised his gaze and answered flatly, "My part is taken care of. As for yours, you'll have to figure it out yourself." Wendy was immediately speechless. Wendy quickly changed into a full "rich lady" outfit, carrying an exquisite black-and-gold Hermes bag, and drove a multimillion-dollar Audi sports car to Winnie's doorstep. Yulia stood at the door and provocatively glanced at her. "Well, look who decided to drop by." Wendy gave her a disdainful look and said, "Don't block the way."