A shrewd heir such as her is precisely what I need! Perhaps one can only grow up after having experienced pain.

“Yes, that's what I want from you. Don't be so hasty in making up your mind. Listen to what I've got to say first. As far as I know, Zeke's fiancée miscarried. Besides, the baby she was pregnant with wasn't his child. That signifies their marriage will fall through, and you might stand a chance in winning him over.”

Even after listening to her father's words, Juliana remained unmoved inwardly.

If one were to ask about her reason for becoming so calm and composed, it was probably her horror when the tendons in Huntley's arms and legs were severed because of her.

Realization dawned upon her that there was someone far more worthy of her protection in this world.

Although she did not love Huntley, she wanted to protect him well as a friend.

And in that ruthless family, there was only one way to protect someone—to make herself stronger perpetually.

“The matter of whether he'll be marrying his fiancée has nothing to do with me. I can tell you with all certainty, Father, that I'll never have delusions about him anymore. He'll no longer exist to me, nor will I have any further entanglements with him. If you don't believe me, I can swear it on my deceased mother.”

Hearing that, Raymond waved a hand. “I trust you, so don't bother. I can't simply watch and do nothing as the family is ruined in your Uncle Philip's hands. Since you've already seen the light and aren't obsessed about an outsider anymore, I don't mind giving you a hand.”

In response, Juliana chuckled softly. “Let's plot in secret. Don't let Uncle Philip and the others notice anything, numbing them first so that they'd lower their guards. Then, when the time is right, propel me to become the head of the family.”

Raymond nodded in agreement. “Indeed, plan and plot slowly. It's good that you understand this principle. Take good care of Huntley these few days. There's still hope for his hands and legs. The person who severed his tendons back then didn't go as far as damaging them, merely severing them. Your master's medical skills are superb, so she can probably help to reattach them for him.”

“Thank you, Dad.”

Meanwhile, Artemis reclined against the head of the bed with Bailey snuggled in his arms in a hospital room at the medical base.

“Your embrace is still the warmest of all, Artemis. While I gained support in Zeke's arms, I couldn't find any sense of belonging.”

Lowering his head, Artemis kissed her on the forehead. After a moment of silence, he murmured an apology.

Bailey flashed him a grin. “You're smart, throwing a tantrum so that I'd be forced to coax you. Initially, I planned to question you for having a roll in the hay with Yvette. But—”

Without waiting for her to finish her utterance, Artemis hastily interjected, “Nothing happened between us. The truth is, she only dared to cut the video to that segment because I was going to kill her when Holden barged in.”

At that, Bailey arched a brow. “I know. You don't need to explain things to me.”


Having said that, she reached out and rested her hand against his shirt, her fingers falling on one of the buttons.

Artemis' gaze abruptly darkened a shade. He shot out a hand and grabbed her fingers, chiding in a hoarse voice, “Cut it out, Bay.”

Bailey blinked, a gleam of craftiness glinting in her eyes. “You've got to prove to me that I'm the only one allowed to touch you.”

Upon hearing that, Artemis heaved a sigh in resignation.

Despite knowing that indulging her was tantamount to torturing himself, he still dropped his hold on her fingers slowly.

After all, there was nothing he could do other than cooperate when it came to something she wanted to do.

Bailey's long and slender fingers brushed across where his heart was, her movements lingering and gentle.

Verily, she missed him.

She desired him greatly, pining over the feeling of him loving her to the marrow.

“I want you, Artemis.”

In a flash, Artemis' pupils constricted, and his gaze flickered.

He grasped her hand once more, pleading hoarsely, “I promise never to again ignore you again, Bailey. If you're mad at me, you can punish me another way. This is too much. It'll kill me.”

God knows how much I want her! But considering her current condition, I don't dare have any thoughts of getting intimate with her!

He was indeed domineering with her, but it was only when she was in perfect health.

Right then, however, she might shatter with the slightest touch. Thus, he really dared not dream of doing anything to her.

Bailey giggled softly. Stretching out her other arm, she hooked it around his neck before burying her head in his body and playing with him like a fiddle.

Artemis released his hold on her hand, allowing her free rein.

He stared up at the ceiling above through narrowed eyes, a bitter smile showing in them.

Ah, never mind! She can do anything as she wants, for nothing else matters as long as she's happy.

Clocking his tenseness, Bailey retracted the hand around his neck and thumped him on the shoulder.

“What are you worried about? It's been more than a month since my miscarriage. I've long since recovered, merely a touch weak. It's okay.”

The veins on Artemis' forehead throbbed, and his mouth went dry even as his trembling increased in intensity.

Reaching out, Bailey snagged the remote at the side before locking the door of the hospital room.

“Just answer this—do you want to love me?”

“Yes...”

“Another question—are you going to agree to all my demands?”

“Yes.”

“Are you still going to resist, then?”

“No.”

At once, Bailey's lips curved into a triumphant smile. Yes, I've got him!

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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