She's Under My Protection Now. The Cursed Alpha Said.

It was a rainy night.

Raindrops pattered against the window, leaving water marks streaking across the clear glass. The lighting was dim and hazy inside the hotel suite.

The woman pressed the man against the wall. Her slender and fair arms were hooked around his neck, her gaze heavy with intoxication.

Harrison Spencer gazed at the woman in his arms. His amber eyes carried an unreadable expression.

He grasped her chin, his deep voice carrying a faint rasp. "Do you even know who I am? How dare you mess with me?"

The dim golden light spilled over Serena Linden's delicate face.

Her fair and flawless skin was tinged with a soft blush, making her look incredibly alluring. Beneath her small, upturned nose were soft, glossy lips. Her beautiful eyes shimmered with an irresistible, seductive allure.

Harrison's throat tightened as the heat within him became almost uncontrollable. His blood surged and churned in his veins.

After so many years of apathy, this was the first time he had felt any interest in a woman. More importantly, he didn't mind her closeness or her touch.

At this moment, Serena's willpower had already been eroded by the drugs in her system. Seeing Harrison's lack of response, she started tugging at his clothes.

"I feel horrible…" she whined.

Harrison immediately grabbed her restless hand. The tense line of his jaw revealed both restraint and control. His voice was hoarse and barely audible. "Do you really want my help?"

Serena stood on her toes and immediately pressed her lips to his. The kiss sent a tremor through Harrison's heart.

The faint, floral scent unique to her lingered in his breath, completely shattering the last bit of his rationality. He said, "Alright. Don't regret it when you wake up."

Harrison closed his eyes. He threaded his fingers through her hair before settling at the nape of her neck. He held her with a firm but gentle grip.

Then, he captured her soft and red lips with his, turning passivity into dominance.

Their breaths intertwined in a heated rush. Their lips and tongues became entangled in a deep, lingering kiss.

His other hand tightened around her slender waist. He slowly coaxed her into exploring uncharted territory.

The two of them kissed passionately, lost in the moment. Then, they both fell into the soft embrace of the bed. The air was thick with unspoken desire, and their clothes were strewn across the floor.

The world outside the window was blurred by the rain, shrouded in a misty haze.

Inside, the atmosphere was breathtaking.

…

The next day, the sky cleared after the rain. The brilliant sunlight streamed in through the glass windows.

Serena frowned slightly and raised a sore arm to shield herself from the harsh sunlight. Only after her eyes gradually adjusted did she slowly open them.

Serena's heart skipped a beat when she saw the unfamiliar surroundings before her. Her mind gradually cleared, and fragmented memories began to piece themselves together.

Last night…

Serena lifted the blanket covering her and glanced underneath. She immediately snapped awake in shock and reflexively sat upright in bed. The sudden movement sent a sharp ache through her waist.

She sucked in a loud, sharp breath, then helplessly placed a hand on her waist.

Last night, she had come to Hotel Imperus to discuss a deal with Jeremy Hood, the vice president of Chandler Group. But after two drinks, she began to feel strange all over. Jeremy then revealed his disgusting true colors.

In the nick of time, she picked up the wine bottle on the table and smashed it on Jeremy's head. Then, she seized the opportunity to escape the private room.

After that…

"You're awake?" Suddenly, a cold yet magnetic male voice interrupted her thoughts.

Serena's head snapped up, following the voice. What came into view was a face with sharp features, cold and handsome.

His deep, penetrating eyes seemed to have the ability to read one's innermost thoughts. The cold, aloof expression on his face made him unapproachable. He had a high nose bridge, and his thin, pale lips were slightly pressed together.

He exuded authority without uttering a word.

He was clad in a perfectly tailored classic navy blue haute couture suit. Not only did it highlight his tall, commanding figure, but it also fully showcased his intense masculine charm.

Serena stared blankly at the man before her, overcome with shock.

Harrison… Harrison Spencer!

The man she had spent the night with… was actually him!

Harrison was a man who stood at the very pinnacle of power.

He was the current head of Southport's most influential family, the Spencer family, and the man in charge of Bluewater Corporation. He was also known as the "Living King of Hell" in the business world.

A man of overwhelming power, with ruthless decisiveness and merciless tactics, Harrison was someone who struck fear into anyone who heard his name. Rumors painted him as cold-blooded, brutal, and utterly cruel.

Anyone who provoked him or offended him never had a good outcome.

She was done for!

She had gotten entangled with him the night before. Would he…

"Had your fill of staring?" Harrison snapped her out of her thoughts once again. His voice was as cold as his appearance.

Serena quickly looked away and instinctively pulled the blanket tighter around herself. Harrison adjusted his tie and cast her a cold, indifferent glance. His gaze swept over her collarbone.

The varying shades of love bites silently testified to the intensity of last night's events, and his gaze darkened. He said in a cold, deep voice, "Get dressed. We'll talk."

With that, he turned and strode out of the room.

---

Chapter 2: She Just Wants to Get Married

Serena didn't dare to hesitate for even a second. She quickly picked up her clothes from last night and put them on. She then forced her sore and weak legs to move as she slowly walked into the bathroom to freshen up.

As she stepped out of the bathroom, her phone rang urgently from inside her handbag. Serena walked back to the side of the bed and pulled her phone out of her bag.

Helena's name flashed on the screen.

The name felt like a large rock pressing heavily against her chest.

Serena took a deep breath and swiped a finger over the answer button, and then she lifted the phone to her ear.

Before she could even speak, an enraged, accusatory voice erupted from the other end. "You little brat! Where the hell were you last night? I sent you to negotiate the deal with Mr. Hood, and you actually hit him in the head? Getting bold now, aren't you?

"Do you have any idea what will happen from offending Mr. Hood? If you want to die, that's fine. Just don't get me, your uncle, and Linden Group involved."

Helena continued with her rant, "Serena, I'm warning you. If you don't apologize to Mr. Hood today and make up for Linden Group's losses, forget about ever getting any of your parents' belongings back."

Serena's hand clenched into a tight fist at her side upon hearing those final words. Gritting her teeth, she forced herself to endure and murmured a reply, "Okay, I got it."

"You'd better, or you'll be in big trouble!" With that, Helena hung up.

Serena gripped her phone tightly and closed her eyes. Her knuckles had turned white from the pressure. After a moment, she composed her emotions and suppressed all the resentment in her eyes.

She had to break free from this invisible shackle, and she couldn't let them control her any longer. If she wanted to compete with them and join Linden Group's board of directors, she had to claim the shares her grandfather had left her.

But to inherit the shares, she had to abide by her grandfather's will, which was to get married.

Marriage…

An extremely bold idea suddenly came into her mind.

Serena chewed on her lip. She tried to steady her frantic breathing before walking out of the bedroom with a calm facade.

But the moment she came face-to-face with Harrison, all her mental preparation was all for nothing.

Harrison sat in the middle of the living room couch with his legs crossed. His casualness carried an invisible sense of pressure.

His right hand rested lightly on his knee while his left hand held a slowly burning cigar. Wisps of smoke curled in the air.

He remained silent. Yet in his own unique way, everything around him faded into the background. The entire world seemed to tremble with each breath he took.

"M-Mr. Spencer…" Serena's voice quivered the moment she spoke.

Harrison seemed a little impatient from all the waiting. A thin stream of smoke escaped his lips as his deep, knowing eyes locked onto her through the swirling haze.

His gaze sent a chill down Serena's spine.

Just as she was at a loss for what to do, he suddenly said, "Sit."

It was just a single, brief word, yet it carried an undeniable authority.

Serena pressed her lips together and braced herself to walk over to the single-seater couch beside Harrison. She sat down stiffly and uneasily.

The thick scent of tobacco that lingered in the air made her visibly uncomfortable. Serena couldn't hold it in and coughed softly.

Harrison glanced at her indifferently. He then calmly pressed the burning cigar into the ashtray. The ember was quickly extinguished.

His tone was serious as he said, "I was the one who preyed on the situation last night. If you want any compensation, just name it."

Hearing this, Serena slowly clenched her hands that had been resting on her knees. She gripped the hem of her skirt tightly.

"I…" She hesitated, her nervousness evident.

Harrison didn't rush her and waited for her to state her terms.

Serena kept her head lowered, unable to meet his gaze. The loose strands of hair at her temples fell just enough to conceal the shyness and inner struggle in her eyes. After a brief silence, she gathered her courage and voiced her thoughts, "I want to get married."

The moment the words left her mouth, Harrison's gaze suddenly turned cold. The air in the room seemed to freeze, and the atmosphere grew suffocating.

But Serena couldn't afford to care anymore. She simply went all in. She looked up and met Harrison's sharp, hawk-like gaze. "The compensation I want is for you to marry me."

As soon as the words left her lips, Harrison let out a deep, cold laugh.

"So, you're latching onto me now?" His tone carried a hint of mockery, and there was a trace of scrutiny in his gaze.

Serena swallowed nervously, and her palms began to sweat. Her grip on her dress tightened slightly.

"You were the one who said I could ask for any compensation," she mumbled.

"The compensation I'm talking about is anything except marriage." Harrison's tone grew noticeably colder.

Serena's heart sank at his words, and the courage she had painstakingly mustered just moments ago dwindled by half. She lowered her head again and murmured, "But right now, I don't want anything other than marriage as compensation."

Harrison pressed his lips together. He silently studied the woman in front of him with his dark gaze as though he was trying to see through her and uncover the true intentions behind her actions.

---

Chapter 3: Marriage Pressure

It wasn't long before a sudden ringtone shattered the silence in the room.

Harrison shifted his gaze away from Serena and unhurriedly reached into the inner pocket of his suit jacket to retrieve his phone.

He glanced at the caller ID and saw that the call was from Spencer Manor.

The anxious voice of the housekeeper, Lewis Lawson, came through as soon as he answered. "Mr. Spencer, Mrs. Spencer Senior developed a sudden chest pain. You need to return to the manor right away."

Harrison's expression changed slightly at that, but he said nothing and merely responded in a calm manner, "Alright."

After ending the call, he slipped his phone back into his suit's inner pocket and slowly stood up. He said, "I have something else to take care of right now. We'll talk about this later."

Harrison then left the room without any hesitation.

All of Serena's courage drained away the moment the door closed. She deflated like a punctured balloon.

Although she had expected this outcome, she couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed. It seemed she would have to come up with another plan.

…

As soon as Lewis saw Harrison return to Spencer Manor, he rushed upstairs to report to Martha Watson. "Mrs. Spencer Senior, Mr. Spencer is back."

Martha immediately rose from her carved rocking chair upon hearing this and swiftly lay back down on the bed. She pressed a hand to her chest and put on the act of someone suffering from excruciating pain.

"Oh dear, the pain is killing me!" she moaned dramatically.

She even coughed a few times for added effect. "Lewis, is Harry back yet? I don't think I can hold on for much longer…"

Before Martha could finish, Harrison strolled into the room at a measured pace. He expressionlessly exposed her act and said, "Drop the act. I know you're not sick."

Martha was momentarily speechless, feeling a bit embarrassed to have her lie exposed. In the end, she couldn't be bothered to keep up the charade.

"You little brat. Do I have to be in some kind of trouble before you'll finally come back?" Martha asked.

Harrison's lips parted slightly, and he was about to respond.

But before he could say a word, Martha said first, "Don't give me the excuse about being busy at work to brush me off. No matter how busy you are, you can't be so swamped that you don't even have the time to visit your grandmother, can you?"

Harrison couldn't argue with that. He walked over to the armchair beside the bed in silence and sat down. There was an air of rebellious defiance about him when he said, "Just tell me, why did you call me back?"

With the help of a maid standing nearby, Martha sat up and leaned back against the headboard. She got straight to the point. "I called you back because I wanted to ask—when are you going to bring me a granddaughter-in-law?"

Harrison's expression immediately turned icy at her words, displeasure apparent in his frown. He said, "You don't need to worry about that. I have my own plans."

Hearing this, Martha grew even more anxious. "How can I not worry? Just look at you. You're almost 30 years old, yet you've never been in a relationship, let alone found a wife.

"Your nephew, who's three years younger than you, is already discussing marriage with his girlfriend. And you? Nothing! How can I not be worried? Just thinking about your future keeps me up at night!"

Harrison acted as though he didn't hear a word of her nagging. Not only did he not care at all, but he even countered, "That's your problem. I'm not in a hurry anyway."

"You little brat!" Martha was so exasperated just looking at him that she nearly grabbed a pillow next to her to throw at him.

Suddenly, a thought occurred to her. Her gaze slowly dropped from Harrison's face downward, and her expression grew complex.

"Harry, be honest with me. Are you… having issues in that department?" Martha asked cautiously as if testing the waters and seemingly expressing concern.

Harrison merely stared at her in silence.

Martha grew even more restless after seeing him like that. She immediately waved her hand and instructed, "Lewis, quickly! Go get Dr. Holloway and have him run a full medical check-up on Harrison!"

"Of course, Mrs. Spencer Senior," Lewis responded swiftly and was about to turn around to leave.

"Stop right there!" Harrison's expression darkened, and his voice was laced with barely restrained anger. "There's nothing wrong with me. I don't need a check-up."

Martha didn't seem convinced and earnestly tried to persuade him, saying, "Harry, if there really is a problem in that department, don't be embarrassed to talk about it. The sooner we start treatment, the better you'll definitely get."

Harrison's expression turned even stormier. "There's really nothing wrong with me."

"Really?" Martha asked.

Seeing her distrust, Harrison clenched his teeth and forced the words out one by one through gritted teeth, "I. Am. Really. Fine!"

Martha finally let out a sigh of relief after reconfirming. She pressed on again, "Since there's no problem, then hurry up and bring me a granddaughter-in-law!"

Harrison's face remained icy as he refused to respond. He used his silence to express his resistance to the matter.

Martha suddenly had an idea when she saw he wasn't budging.

The only option left was to play the trump card.

---

Chapter 4: Forced to Marry

"Listen, Harrison. If you don't bring me a granddaughter-in-law within a week, you're going on blind dates," Martha demanded.

Her first step was to threaten and bribe.

"Otherwise… I don't want to live anymore! Just let me die with regrets. Let me go to the afterlife and apologize to your dead parents and grandfather!" Martha exclaimed dramatically.

Her second step was to use death as leverage.

Harrison let out a helpless sigh. "Grandma, you're being completely unreasonable."

Martha huffed and said matter-of-factly, "Yes, I'm being unreasonable. Now, go figure it out yourself!"

Harrison couldn't do anything about her, so he had no choice but to give in. "Fine. I'll find one for you right away."

Her third step was to seal the deal.

Martha's lips curved up into a triumphant smile as she reminded him, "Don't forget. Within a week!"

Harrison rose to his feet in silence. His expression was dark as he strode out of Martha's room.

Lewis finally spoke once he was certain Harrison had left, "Mrs. Spencer Senior, aren't you afraid that Mr. Spencer will truly get angry if you push him like this?"

The smile on Martha's face gradually faded, and a trace of sorrow surfaced in her timeworn eyes.

"Harry's parents died when he was very young, leaving only him behind," she explained. "All his uncles may appear respectful after Albert's passing, but in reality, they've always been watching like hawks. They're just waiting for their chance.

"The reason I'm pressuring him like this is because I want him to start a family soon. It'll ensure this bloodline of ours will continue."

Her words carried both helplessness and concern.

…

Pierce Young, who had been waiting by the black Maybach, opened the door to the back seat as soon as he saw Harrison step out of the manor.

"Mr. Spencer," Pierce greeted.

Harrison stopped beside Pierce and instructed, "Find out everything about the woman from last night. Leave no stone unturned."

"Yes, sir," Pierce responded.

Harrison lowered himself into the car as the door slowly closed behind him. Pierce quickly got back into the front passenger seat.

With the low hum of the engine, the car slowly pulled away from Spencer Manor.

…

Serena left the hotel and went straight to a pharmacy to buy emergency contraception. Since Harrison had rejected her marriage proposal, there was no need for her to be entangled with him. He was not someone she could afford to provoke, after all.

She would treat last night as if it was a stroke of bad luck. She didn't suffer much damage, anyway.

Serena then hailed a cab and headed straight to Chandler Group.

Memories from the previous night at Hotel Imperus came flooding back as soon as she arrived. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened them again, they were clear and filled with resolution.

Serena wore a small smile as she walked into Chandler Group's lobby, her heels clicking on the floor.

She stopped at the front desk and said, "Hello, I'm Serena Linden from Linden Group's Project Management Department. I'd like to schedule an appointment with your vice president, Mr. Jeremy Hood."

The receptionist looked up and gave her a once-over. "Serena Linden?"

Serena nodded slightly and maintained a polite yet measured smile.

The receptionist's attitude shifted instantly, and her tone turned impatient at Serena's confirmation. "I'm sorry, Mr. Hood has said he's not taking any visitors today."

Serena instinctively tightened her grip on her handbag upon hearing the response. She kept the smile on her face as she said with sincerity and humility, "Could you please tell Mr. Hood that I'm here to apologize?"

The receptionist ignored her.

Serena continued to plead humbly, "Please, let him know I do have something urgent to discuss."

The receptionist finally relented at her persistence. She said, "I'll call Mr. Hood's assistant and check."

"Alright. Thank you," Serena said.

The receptionist then dialed the internal line. After a brief exchange, she put down the receiver and relayed the message to Serena, "Ms. Linden, I apologize. Mr. Hood's assistant said he's currently busy. He asked that you wait in the lounge area for now."

Serena knew perfectly well that Jeremy had instructed his assistant to say this on purpose. He was making things difficult for her because she had injured him last night.

She decided to let it be. Sometimes, one had to swallow one's pride.

Serena nodded and said nothing. She turned around and walked over to the lounge area to sit on a couch.

Over an hour later, Jeremy's assistant finally came down.

"Ms. Linden, Mr. Hood's schedule is full today. He really doesn't have time to see you." The assistant stepped in front of Serena, and his gaze hinted at something unsaid. "But Mr. Hood said that if you're truly sincere about apologizing, he'll be waiting for you tonight in Room 888 at Nightshade Bar."

Serena's smile froze for a moment upon hearing that.

Then, the assistant added, "Mr. Hood also mentioned that if Linden Group wants a shot at the Eastside project, you'd need to show some sincerity and conviction."

The corner of Serena's lips twitched. Then, she forced a bright smile as she replied, "Alright, I understand."

There was no way to reclaim her parents' belongings if she didn't secure the Eastside project. But if she went to Nightshade Bar tonight, she might never escape Jeremy's grasp.

What should she do?

Was she really going to go down with that scumbag?

In the end, Serena left Chandler Group with a heavy heart.

---

Chapter 5: Kindred Spirits

There was a knock on the door in an office room of Bluewater Corporation.

"Come in."

With permission granted, Pierce pushed open the door and stepped into Harrison's office. He walked over to Harrison's desk at an unhurried pace and placed a neatly compiled file on it.

"Mr. Spencer, this is all the information you wanted me to gather on the woman from last night," Pierce said.

Harrison looked up slightly, his gaze immediately locking onto the file. He picked it up and began flipping through the pages.

"The woman from last night is Serena Linden," Pierce explained.

Then, he changed the topic. "Coincidentally, Ms. Linden's parents also passed away in a car accident on that rainy night 19 years ago. However, the accident happened on the way back to Southport from Cloudhaven."

At those words, long-buried memories resurfaced. The atmosphere around Harrison instantly turned frigid as if the very air could freeze.

That rainy night 19 years ago had left a wound in his heart that would never heal.

The sudden car accident had taken his parents' lives on that stormy night. He had only been ten years old at the time.

An indescribable feeling welled up in his chest at the thought of Serena suffering the same fate.

Harrison asked coldly, "Are you sure it was an accident and not intentional?"

Pierce shook his head and replied, "We can't be certain yet. It's been so many years, and there's some difficulty in the investigation. It'll take some time."

"Look into it thoroughly. Investigate it alongside my parents' case," Harrison instructed.

"Yes, sir." Pierce nodded. He then steered the conversation back on track. "Mr. Vincent Linden—her grandfather—fell ill when he heard about the accident. He was unable to bear the blow and passed away when Ms. Linden was eight years old.

"After that, she was raised by her uncle and aunt, Charles Linden and Helena Warren. Charles also took over the Linden family and Linden Group."

Pierce continued, "Before his death, Mr. Spencer Senior left a will stating explicitly that his inheritance could only be claimed by Ms. Linden once she turned 25 years old. So, Charles Linden hasn't officially inherited the Linden family or Linden Group as of now."

As Harrison listened, he continued flipping through the thick stack of documents. After a long while, he finally asked, "Why was she at Hotel Imperus last night?"

Pierce gave a prompt response with the findings from his investigation. "Linden Group wants to take part in Chandler Group's Eastside project. Charles knew that the person in charge of the project was Jeremy Hood. Jeremy is infamous for his lecherous ways, so…"

Harrison's expression tensed slightly, and his expression darkened. So, Jeremy had drugged Serena last night, and she had nearly been violated by the scumbag.

In that instant, Serena's graceful figure flashed through his mind. The way she had exuded an irresistible allure in the hotel last night had made him lose all reason. She had awakened a desire he couldn't suppress.

Her timid yet resolute demeanor in the morning had also inexplicably caused a faint stir in his long-frozen heart.

Marriage?

It didn't seem too bad.

Harrison's eyes grew darker, carrying an inscrutable expression.

He closed the file in his hands and instructed Pierce, "Get in touch with her. Have her come look for me, and tell her I have something to discuss."

"Yes, sir," Pierce responded.

…

Serena left Chandler Group and took a cab back to the Linden residence. She planned to take a shower and change into some clean clothes. But she ran into Helena the moment she stepped inside.

Helena was lounging on the living room couch. She was casually stroking her beloved Ragdoll cat that was nestled in her arms.

A wave of fear washed over Serena the moment she laid eyes on the cat. She instinctively took two steps back, every hair on her body standing on end.

The Ragdoll cat glared at her with a fierce, menacing stare, as if it was ready to pounce on her at any given moment.

Serena fought to hide her anxiety and softly greeted, "Aunt Helena."

Helena didn't even spare her a glance. Instead, she immediately adopted an accusatory stance.

"You still have the nerve to come back? Did you go apologize to Mr. Hood? Did he forgive you?" Helena's tone was cruel and cutting.

Serena clenched her teeth and answered in a low voice, "Don't worry, Aunt Helena. I'll take care of things with Mr. Hood. I won't make Linden Group suffer any losses because of me."

"That better be true." Helena let out a cold scoff, her words dripping with distrust and threats. "If you don't handle this properly, don't bother coming back here. You can also forget about getting any of your parents' belongings back."

A surge of defiance rose in Serena, but she forced herself to hold it in. Reason told her that enduring this moment was more important than any argument.

A little impatience would derail the bigger plan!

After all, her parents' belongings were still in the hands of her uncle and aunt. She couldn't afford to completely sever ties with them just yet. But she wouldn't let them keep threatening her with this. She had to find a way to break free from their control.

Serena tugged at the corner of her lips but said nothing. She simply turned and headed upstairs in silence.

Once she was in her room, she filled the bathtub and soaked in the comfortable, warm water. Just as she stepped out of the bathroom, she heard the abrupt ringing of her phone from the vanity table.

She walked over and glanced at the screen. It was an unknown number.

Serena hesitated for a second before picking it up and answering it. "Hello?"

"Hello, Ms. Linden. I'm Pierce Young, special assistant to Mr. Spencer." The man on the other end of the call introduced himself politely, his tone warm and respectful.

---

Chapter 6: Enduring Silently

"Mr. Spencer…" Serena's chest tightened at the mention of Harrison's name.

"Yes." Pierce's voice sounded again. "Mr. Spencer would like you to drop by Bluewater Corporation when you have the time. He has some matters to discuss with you."

At this invitation, the hope that had been extinguished was reignited again. Harrison suddenly wanted to see her and said he had something to discuss… Did this mean he had changed his mind and decided to marry her?

Serena quickly replied, "I'll be there in an hour."

Pierce said, "Once you arrive, you can contact me with this number."

"Okay," Serena responded.

She didn't waste any time after ending the call. Serena tied her hair up with a hairpin and changed into a pale blue, form-fitting dress.

The color was elegant and refined, reminiscent of a delicate wash of ink, soft and ethereal. It enhanced her fair complexion and made her look all the more delicate and captivating. The high collar and structured buttons were just enough to conceal the love bites on her collarbone.

Once dressed, Serena made her way downstairs. As she reached the corner of the stairs, an unpleasant voice quietly drifted from the living room to her ears.

"Serena, that little wretch! I don't know what she's pretending to be."

Serena immediately stopped in her tracks.

"We raised her all these years. We're only asking her to do us a favor by sleeping with Mr. Hood for a night. What's the problem with that?" Helena's words dripped with disdain and contempt for Serena, her voice cold and biting.

Charles shot Helena an annoyed glance and lowered his voice in warning. "Keep it down, or she'll hear you."

"So what if she hears? Am I wrong?" Helena appeared completely unconcerned. "For Mr. Hood to take a liking to her is the luck of a lifetime! Does she really think she's worthy of those wealthy young heirs?"

Charles remained silent.

"Give me a break!" Helena's words remained sharp as ever. Her speech grew increasingly harsh and cutting. "Do you think she's chaste and pure? I just saw the love bites on her neck. Who knows which shady man she was fooling around with last night?"

Serena, who had been hiding around the corner and eavesdropping, clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms. Her usually gentle eyes were now filled with intense hatred.

She managed to calm herself and push aside all her emotions after a while. Then, she acted as if nothing had happened and walked down the stairs, resuming her descent.

"Uncle Charles," Serena greeted Charles softly.

Charles gave her a slight nod, his expression cold. He was just as unfriendly toward her.

"How do you plan to handle things with Mr. Hood?" He got straight to the point.

Serena didn't say much and only gave him a vague response. "I'll take care of it."

Charles pursed his lips, his sharp gaze lingering on her for a moment.

Then, in a commanding tone, he said to Serena, "I'm giving you two days. I don't care what methods you use, but I expect to see the Letter of Intent for the Eastside development project after two days."

Serena responded calmly, "Okay, I understand."

Finally, she deliberately reminded him, "I hope you and Aunt Helena will keep your word."

Charles looked at her icily and replied, "As long as you can secure the project, what we promised to give you will be yours."

Serena didn't say anything else and prepared to leave after getting Charles' promise.

"Stop right there!" Helena suddenly called out to her. "You just came back, and where do you think you're going now?"

Serena was unbothered and kept her tone as calm as ever. "I need to step out for some matters."

Helena warned sternly, "You'd better behave, or you might end up dead somewhere out there."

Serena sneered inwardly upon hearing this. She understood the meaning behind Helena's words all too well. The underlying meaning was nothing more than if Serena were to die, it had better be after she turned 25 years old. By then, they would have fully acquired Vincent's inheritance.

Serena turned to look at Helena and gave her a faint smile. "Thank you for your concern, Aunt Helena. I'll be sure to live my life well."

In fact, she wanted to live a better life than them!

…

Around 40 minutes later, Serena arrived at Bluewater Corporation. She dialed the first number in her call log.

Before long, Pierce's figure appeared in the lobby on the first floor. Serena stood quietly by the access control gate and waited.

Pierce passed through the gate and walked slowly toward her. He greeted her politely and gently, "Ms. Linden."

Serena turned around at the sound of her name.

Pierce introduced himself, "Ms. Linden, hello. My name is Pierce Young."

Serena smiled and nodded in acknowledgment. "Mr. Young, it's nice to meet you."

Pierce smiled and said, "Ms. Linden, Mr. Spencer is waiting for you in his office. Let me escort you upstairs."

She nodded again and maintained her usual politeness. "Thank you for the trouble."

People around them began whispering as they observed the two of them.

"Hey, who's that woman? Mr. Young came down to greet her in person."

"Do you think she's Mr. Young's girlfriend?"

"I doubt it. They're too polite with each other. They don't look like they're in a romantic relationship."

"Then… do you think she's related to Mr. Spencer?"

"But wasn't there a rumor earlier that Mr. Spencer was dating the heiress of the Quinn family?"

"Yes! I heard they were childhood sweethearts and were very much in love. However, Ms. Quinn went abroad to pursue her acting career. That's why they broke up."

"You know, now that I look at her, this woman does bear some resemblance to Ms. Quinn."

"Well, could Mr. Spencer be playing the replacement game?"

"Who knows? The world of the wealthy isn't something we working-class people can understand."

---

Chapter 7: Contract Marriage

On the top floor of Bluewater Corporation, Pierce knocked on the office door and called out, "Mr. Spencer, Ms. Linden is here."

Serena stood at the door, looking in. The tall and well-built figure was facing away from her as he stood before the large floor-to-ceiling window.

Just the sight of Harrison's silhouette made her heart race, and a wave of nervousness slowly spread throughout her body.

The air of authority he exuded was so overwhelming that it was impossible to ignore.

Serena took a deep breath and gathered the courage to call out, "Mr. Spencer."

Although she was trying her best to maintain her composure, there was still an unmistakable tremor in her voice.

Harrison slowly turned around. As he glanced at her, his gaze involuntarily lingered on Serena.

There was a cool elegance to the pale blue, form-fitting dress she wore. It complemented her beautiful and captivating face. She looked alluring yet graceful and exuded a gentle femininity that carried a hint of resilience.

A flicker of admiration flashed through Harrison's eyes when he saw how she was dressed. However, he quickly masked his emotions. He lifted his chin slightly to regain some of his usual aloofness.

"Sit," he instructed Serena.

Serena nodded slightly and stepped inside. She then settled on the black leather couch with grace.

Harrison also took a seat. Both of them maintained a proper distance between them.

Pierce poured Serena a cup of tea, then exited the office quietly, closing the door behind him.

The people in the executive office couldn't contain their curiosity when they saw Pierce emerge from Harrison's office.

"Mr. Young, who's that woman who just entered Mr. Spencer's office?"

"Yeah! What's her relationship with our boss?"

Pierce gave them a stern look and warned in a serious tone, "Stop gossiping about Mr. Spencer's private matters or there'll be consequences."

The others smiled knowingly at his words.

"Oh, we're just concerned about Mr. Spencer's… personal life," one of them said.

"Do you think she could become Mr. Spencer's wife?"

"I think it's possible…"

Then, everyone turned their gaze toward Pierce, hoping to get an answer from him.

Pierce kept his expression serious and remained tight-lipped. "Don't look at me. I don't know anything."

The main thing was, nothing had been set in stone yet. He didn't dare to speak recklessly!

Besides, when it came to Harrison's personal affairs, it wasn't his place as an assistant to make wild guesses.

But in the future…

…

In contrast, the atmosphere in Harrison's office felt incredibly stiff and uneasy. It was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.

Serena clenched her fingers, her voice trembling as she tried to break the silence. "M-Mr. Spencer, I heard you wanted to discuss something with me."

Harrison gave a small hum in acknowledgment and slid a black folder toward Serena. "Take a look."

Serena froze for a moment before she reached for the black folder. The moment she opened it, the bold words "Prenuptial Agreement" immediately came into view. "This is…"

Harrison replied, "I agree to marry you, but it'll be a marriage limited to this agreement."

Serena began flipping through the pages upon hearing this.

"The agreement lasts for a year. After one year, we'll divorce. I'll give you a hundred million dollars and two villas as compensation." Harrison spoke without a trace of emotion, his tone purely businesslike and indifferent.

He continued, "If you agree to the terms, we can go and get the marriage certificate right away once you sign the agreement."

Serena didn't answer immediately. She looked at the terms of the agreement, slowly drifting into her own thoughts.

A year seemed like enough.

Harrison noticed her silence and added, "If you need more time—"

"There's no need. I agree," Serena replied quickly. She was more worried about Harrison changing his mind.

"But… there's no need for the divorce compensation," she added.

After all, she had been the one to mess with him first. She just wanted to use him to inherit the shares of Linden Group that Vincent had left her. How could she accept the divorce compensation he was offering with a clear conscience?

Harrison's expression remained calm and unchanged. He said in a tone that brooked no refusal, "The compensation that is due will be given in full. Nothing less."

Seeing this, Serena didn't press the matter further. She picked up the pen on the table and signed her name on the last page of the agreement without hesitation.

After settling the agreement, both of them quickly went to the city clerk's office to get their marriage certificate. The entire process took less than half an hour.

When she received the marriage certificate, Serena was still in a daze.

Has she really gotten married… just like that?

Every subtle expression on Serena's face was meticulously captured by Harrison's sharp eyes.

There was an unclear, indescribable emotion that flashed in his eyes. He asked slowly in a low and deep voice, "Are you regretting it?"

Serena snapped out of her daze at his voice. "None."

Harrison didn't seem entirely convinced, and he cast a brief glance in her direction. His voice was cool and indifferent as he said, "The moment you made your choice, there's no turning back. Don't regret it once it's done."

Serena pressed her lips together and didn't argue with him. For one, she didn't dare to. Secondly, she didn't see the need either.

After all, she had the marriage certificate now, and he could assume whatever he wanted.

Harrison tucked away the marriage certificate. Then, he strode right toward the black Cayenne parked at the entrance.

Serena quickly kept her copy in her handbag and hurried after him.

---

Chapter 8: Mutual Interests

Inside the car, Harrison glanced sideways, briefly sweeping his eyes over Serena.

"Where to?" he asked casually.

"Shiwa Law Firm," Serena replied softly.

Harrison's brows furrowed slightly when he heard the name. However, he said nothing, only signaling the driver with his eyes. The driver immediately started the car engine, and the two fell silent in turn.

About 20 minutes later, the black Cayenne pulled up steadily in front of Shiwa Law Firm.

"We're here." Harrison's deep, magnetic voice echoed in the confined space of the car.

Serena heard him but merely glanced out the window, making no move to get out.

She suddenly called his name, "Mr. Spencer."

He turned his head at the sound.

She hesitated momentarily before carefully reaching out and tugging at his sleeve, her eyes hinting at a plea.

"Could you... come up with me?" Her voice was tight, trembling slightly.

Harrison looked down at the hand gripping his sleeve, then back at her face. There was a fleeting trace of warmth in his deep gaze—so subtle it was almost imperceptible.

His silence made her feel unsettled. After an internal struggle, she finally decided to tell him the truth, "Actually, I married you with a purpose."

His brow arched slightly, his expression unreadable.

"Before my grandfather passed away, he secretly left me a will, giving me an 18% share of Linden Group..."

Despite her nerves and turmoil, Serena forced herself to continue, "But to inherit it, I have to get married first, so—"

"So, you used me as a stepping stone?" Harrison cut her off, his sharp gaze locking onto hers.

His directness made her panic.

"I..." Her words got stuck in her throat, and her grip on his sleeve loosened. Ultimately, she could only say, "I'm sorry."

She knew the kind of man Harrison was. Now that he realized she had been using him, he was surely furious. However, she had no choice. If she didn't come clean now, she would never be able to reclaim what was rightfully hers.

Besides, she still needed Harrison's influence to deal with Jeremy. Otherwise, she wouldn't make it through the night. If that were the case, she would take her chances with Harrison instead.

Harrison studied her intently. He saw fear and a tangled mess of emotions that he couldn't quite decipher in her eyes. Was she really that afraid of him? Was he that terrifying?

He cleared his throat, and without realizing it, his tone softened. "I had my own reasons for marrying you too."

For a split second, Serena thought she was hallucinating. For the first time, she caught a glimpse of something in his eyes—something almost gentle.

He looked away, his expression unreadable. "My grandmother has been pushing me to get married. I agreed to this arrangement to keep her off my back."

Hearing that, Serena let out a quiet sigh of relief. The weight on her chest lightened considerably. She nodded, understanding dawning on her. So, they each had their own motives. That made things easier. Still, to show her sincerity, she made him a promise.

"Since you helped me this time, I'll play my part in front of Mrs. Spencer Senior."

Harrison gave a soft hum, adjusted his suit, and urged, "Let's go. Time is valuable."

With that, he pushed the car door open and stepped out.

Not wanting to keep him waiting, she quickly followed. As he walked ahead, he kept Serena in his peripheral vision. Noticing her slightly hurried steps in high heels, he instinctively slowed his pace. Just as she caught up and walked alongside him, she suddenly stumbled.

He reacted instantly, his arm wrapping securely around her waist, steadying her with ease.

They were closer than ever before, so close they could hear each other's breathing and feel each other's heartbeat.

Serena found herself in Harrison's arms while fully conscious for the first time. Her heart was in complete chaos, pounding uncontrollably against her chest.

Harrison's gaze lingered on her, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly.

The air between them shifted, charged with something unspoken.

Snapping back to reality, Serena quickly stepped away, her movements flustered and shy.

His hand hovered in mid-air for a split second, his fingers curling slightly as if lingering in the warmth of that brief moment.

Her face burned, and her eyes darted everywhere but at him, avoiding any direct contact.

Harrison slipped his hand into his pocket and said calmly, "Watch your step."

Serena nodded quickly. "Got it."

---

Chapter 9: My Wife

Harrison and Serena walked side-by-side into Shiwa Law Firm. Gail Levine, the lawyer handling Vincent's will, was already waiting at the reception desk. He was a man in his middle years. His sharp eyes exuded both professionalism and keen insight.

Serena greeted him politely, "Hello, Mr. Levine."

Gail nodded in acknowledgment before his gaze shifted to the man beside her. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes.

"Harrison?"

Harrison's lips curled slightly, his tone carrying an unusual hint of respect. "Mr. Levine."

Gail's eyes darted between them before finally settling on Harrison. "What brings you here today?"

"I'm here with my wife to handle some inheritance matters," Harrison said matter-of-factly, showing no sign of hesitation.

Gail's surprise deepened. "Your wife?"

Harrison gave a slight nod, then effortlessly wrapped an arm around Serena's slender waist, pulling her in closer. He introduced her succinctly, "This is my wife, Serena Linden."

Gail turned to Serena as if seeking confirmation. "So... he's the one you married?"

She smiled slightly and nodded.

"When did this happen?" Gail asked next.

"Just now," Harrison replied.

Hearing that, Gail chuckled. "Alright. Let's talk inside."

With that, Harrison kept his arm around Serena as they followed Gail into a quiet conference room. Once Gail sat across from them, his expression shifted into a professional seriousness. "First, I need to see your marriage certificate."

At his request, they presented their marriage certificate. As Gail examined it, he explained, "This is just standard procedure—nothing more."

Serena nodded. "I understand."

Looking over their marriage certificate, Gail couldn't help but remark, "I never thought you'd actually settle down, Harrison. You've got good taste."

Harrison's lips curled into a faint, effortless smile. "The timing was right."

Serena played along, offering a polite smile.

When everything checked out, Gail retrieved Vincent's will. "Ms. Linden, you have now met the conditions for inheritance. As per Mr. Linden Senior's wishes, you'll officially inherit an 18% stake in Linden Group. Regal Majesty Manor in the western suburbs will also be transferred to your name."

After reading the will aloud, he slid the documents across the table to Serena. "Review them and sign here. Once you do, the will takes immediate effect."

She stared at the papers, a storm of emotions churning inside her. After a long silence, she picked up the pen and signed her name as required.

Once done, Gail continued, "There's another part of the will that can only be disclosed when you turn 25, which is in six months. But in the past few days, Charles and Helena have been asking about it. They seem impatient. You should be careful and stay alert."

His gaze flickered toward Harrison as he spoke, carrying a deeper meaning.

"Of course, you have nothing to fear with Harrison backing you. He'll make sure you're safe."

Serena turned her head slightly, looking at Harrison. His expression remained unchanged—calm, composed, and unreadable as always. A man like him never showed his emotions. She couldn't help but wonder if he would really protect her.

But after contemplating, she concluded that he would as they were partners in this.

With the inheritance matter settled, Harrison and Serena left Shiwa Law Firm. The sunlight outside cast long shadows, but it did little to lift the heaviness in Serena's heart.

She had secured her shares in Linden Group but felt no joy—only a stifling sense of unease.

Harrison studied her out of the corner of his eye. When he remembered everything she had been through, his gaze softened.

"Is there anything else?" he asked suddenly.

Serena snapped out of her thoughts.

"What?"

Seeing that she hadn't caught his question, he didn't show the slightest impatience. Instead, he repeated himself, his tone even, "Do you need my help with anything else?"

Serena pressed her lips together, thinking about tonight. She said, "Yes."

"What is it?"

"Well... could I borrow your influence for something tonight?" She looked at him directly as she asked the question in a cautious voice, almost testing the waters.

Harrison said nothing, only gazing at her with those deep, unreadable eyes as he waited for her to continue.

Taking a deep breath, Serena decided to be upfront. "Tonight, Jeremy Hood, the vice president of Chandler Group, wants to meet me at Nightshade Bar to discuss a business deal. I suspect he has other intentions. I need your influence to ensure my safety."

She knew that with Harrison's resources, he had likely already investigated what had happened the night before.

There was no point in hiding anything, so she chose to be direct. She was gambling on whatever trace of sympathy he might have for her.

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Rain lashed against the window of Hotel Imperus, blurring the city lights into streaks of gold and neon. Inside the dim suite, I pressed myself against him—half-drugged, half-desperate—my fingers fumbling with the buttons of his shirt.

Harrison Spencer caught my wrist, his amber eyes dark with restraint. "Do you even know who I am?" he growled.

I didn't care. All I knew was the fire in my veins and the man who might be my only escape. When I kissed him, he hesitated—then crushed me against the wall, surrendering to something neither of us expected.

Now, sunlight cuts through the curtains, exposing the wreckage of last night. My body aches. My clothes are scattered. And the man beside me—the Living King of Hell—is already awake, watching me like I'm a problem to be solved.

"You're awake," he says, voice like ice.

My breath hitches. This isn't just a one-night mistake. This is a disaster.

Then he adds, "Get dressed. We'll talk."

Panic claws up my throat. What happens now? Do I beg for mercy? Run before he destroys me? Or do I say the unthinkable—the only thing that might save me?