The late spring chill had passed, and the evening air was cool. Yet, Magnus's palm was warm, almost burning.
The bright moonlight bathed us, casting shadows on our shoulders. Neither of us spoke as we walked. When we got into the car, Magnus started the engine. "Where are we going?" I had trouble sleeping when I changed beds, so I threw him my house key.
Magnus didn't say anything, just drove me home.
I remembered when I bought this downtown penthouse. I had run into Magnus at the sales office, and we had argued over something trivial. At the time, I had mocked him, saying, "Not fit for the upper echelons."
Now, as Magnus opened the door and leaned against the entryway, his gaze was deep, unspoken thoughts clouding his eyes. Recalling the past made me feel a little awkward. "What are you standing there for?" Magnus chuckled softly. "I was thinking—looks like I've finally gained entrance."
I dug out a pair of disposable slippers from the shoe cabinet and handed them to him. "Well, congratulations."
Magnus only responded with a hum, not saying anything further.
I found it strange. "Hey, why are you being so quiet—"
Suddenly, I was lifted off the ground.
I screamed as I realized Magnus had picked me up and set me down on the desk. His heated breath cascaded down on me.
Magnus gently brushed my fingertips, his voice a low tease. "Miss Rothschild, how about you teach me—"
"Teach me how to get into your heart..." Having spent so much time with Magnus, he had long figured me out.
He knew exactly where my weaknesses lay.
Tonight, he had reined in his wildness and led me into an endless, sultry kiss. I hooked my arms around his neck, my hands meeting at the back of his head, taking the initiative.
"Lillian, the last time you lied to me, we still haven't settled that." I was so drawn in by him that I shot him a glare.
Magnus Everstone saw the opening and pulled back, chuckling as he lowered his head, letting me grab his tousled hair. "Forget it, my mistake," he whispered, as the night grew darker.
Ripples formed in the water of the vase.
The heat of the moment made the delicate petals bloom, their centers pushing through, fragile and swaying. I bit into Magnus's shoulder and muttered, "You dog, take it easy…" Magnus's low voice was like a spell, seducing me deeper into surrender.
"I'm not cultured… you teach me…"
"Lillian, please teach me…"
……
Magnus's decision to marry me faced fierce opposition from his company's board of directors. Early in the morning, the debate started.
"Marrying Lillian Rothschild, will the company be under the Everstone name or the Rothschild name?"
"I've been battling the Rothschilds all my life, I object!"
"Chairman, if you're set on marrying her, you might as well fire me."
"We've already registered," Magnus casually dropped the bomb, his gaze unyielding. "Mr. Cooke, if you insist on leaving, I'll have to—"
"Wait," Mr. Cooke, trembling, sat back down. "Let's discuss this further…"
"Nothing to discuss," Magnus said, his face unchanged. "She's my wife, and when I die, I'll be buried with her."
Faced with the irate shareholders, Magnus frowned. "It's not like I'm making you all bury yourselves with the Rothschilds. What's there to oppose?" I watched the live stream from Jasper Thornton's frontlines, a slight smile playing at the corner of my lips.
I had to admit, marrying Magnus was the best decision I'd made in my life. He had the ability to handle any trouble, and he never slowed me down.
On the other hand, I didn't have the same kind of backup. My cousin, taking advantage of the morning meeting, was the first to attack me.
"Why are you going against the family like this?"
"Why marry anyone, let alone marry the enemy? No wonder people say women have no brains; once you've slept with a man, you throw everything else away." I threw him a copy of the contract I signed last night. "I think you're the one who's lacking in brain cells."
"Choosing a written contract over empty promises from the Knapp family? I advise you to keep an eye on your backside. One day, if you're taken by some man, you'll regret it when you're sold and still helping them count the money."
My cousin turned purple with rage, slamming his hand on the table. "Lillian Rothschild! This company is still not a dictatorship!" I laughed. "Oh? Did my parents give you the shares? Because if they did, you'd have the guts to challenge me."
But clearly, they hadn't.
I hit a nerve, and my cousin shot back, "Once you're married, it's time for you to stay at home and take care of the family! Business is for men. You should go where it's cooler." I was used to his rhetoric.
I smiled faintly. "Sorry, but as a woman, I'm calling security to drag you out of here." As my cousin was escorted out, he kept shouting that some of the shareholders were trying to speak on his behalf.
I sneered. "You all really think I can't get my parents' shares?"
There was hesitation in their eyes.
I leaned on the table, speaking slowly, one word at a time. "Before the dust settles, I suggest you all watch your step. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to toss you out like garbage."
