He didn't actually lock me up.
The doctor came every day to administer IV drips and monitor my condition. I wasn't one to fuss, so I made myself comfortable here.
Even during Magnus's meetings, I'd leave the door open and listen in on their plans. Initially, everyone resisted, but gradually, they acted as though they didn't care. Even Jasper, who used to be professional, began calling me "sister-in-law" in a rather unprofessional manner, only to be kicked out by Magnus every time.
With me acting as an "inside agent," the situation at the company improved significantly.
Finally, I could breathe a little easier.
During these days, I wasn't idle.
With Weston gone, I promoted a new vice president.
The toxic practices under Weston's leadership were wiped out overnight.
The company, like wild grass after a rainstorm, thrived with new energy.
And once I recovered from my cold, I wasted no time in giving orders and plotting a ruthless move against Magnus. It was a way to give everyone at the company some closure.
One quiet afternoon, the door to the lounge was pushed open.
I was lying on the rocking chair by the window.
Before I could even open my eyes, someone swept me up by the waist and threw me into the soft bedding.
Magnus's voice was ice-cold. "Miss Rothschild, dare you scheme under my watch" I stared at his grim face, then smiled broadly. "Magnus, killing someone is illegal."
Without fear, I kicked at his stomach with my bare feet.
"Is that so?"
Magnus's voice was low and deep. Suddenly, he flipped me over, and with a chilling tone, he said, "If I don't kill you, I have other ways to make you die." It was then I realized that the fire I had ignited earlier was only growing.
He yanked me forcefully under him.
That familiar, crisp scent became even more intense as his body temperature rose. Mixed with the sweet fragrance of my own body, it stirred and fluctuated with unrest. I felt a bit panicked, trying to push him off, but he pinned my arm down.
"Apologize." Magnus said.
My competitive spirit flared, and I tilted my head up to mock him. "What do I need to apologize for? I lied to you, but you chose to believe it. The fault lies with you! You serve me, and I even gain from it!"
The smile disappeared from Magnus's face, and with a firm grip on my chin, he kissed me harshly.
"Fine, I'll serve you."
"Serve me however you want, just endure it."
This was probably the first time we had fought like this outside of the business world. We were both determined to hold our ground, not letting the other come out on top.
Magnus's forehead beaded with sweat as he gritted his teeth. "Lillian, relax. Do you want to see me dead?" By now, I had lost most of my strength, and tears filled my eyes as I fought to stay composed.
But I was too furious to stop, so I punched him hard. "You piece of crap, be gentler—can't you serve properly?"
One insult led to him retaliating even more fiercely.
Magnus sank his teeth into my ear, pushed my disheveled hair aside, and whispered lowly, "How about now? Miss Rothschild, how do you feel now?"
I was both embarrassed and furious, so I bit down on his shoulder.
In the end, I had no more strength left. Magnus looked down at me, his rough stubble grazing my palm. Just like a dog.
"Apologize to me."
I grabbed his hair tightly and cried, "Beg me."
Magnus spoke in a low voice, "Just admit you were wrong."
"I won't."
Before I lost consciousness, I heard a helpless sigh.
