3

Freya

Leopold was the man I'd spent that night with!

The Gray family had deep roots in politics and business, wielding real power. Their connections spanned the upper circles of every nation. Even gangs and crime syndicates had to show them respect. They were a truly elite clan that stood above the ordinary world.

Rumor had it that the family head, Leopold Gray, was born to a princess of royal blood—nobility incarnate. Unfortunately, his father was a philanderer who'd sired numerous ambitious bastards. Leopold had crushed them all into submission through ruthless means.

Since assuming leadership, he'd reportedly multiplied the Gray family's worth several times over. Capable and calculating, he was the ultimate demon lord of politics and commerce.

Remembering the few thousand dollars I'd left on the nightstand that morning made my face flush hot.

"No." One word from the man was enough to dismiss Kelan, who didn't dare show his displeasure.

He yanked me forward and ordered, "Go toast Mr. Gray."

At those words, Leopold's cold, stern brow lifted slightly.

His gaze carried immense pressure, but it swept past quickly. Apparently he hadn't recognized me. I secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

I took the glass and stepped forward to offer the toast properly.

I drank the entire glass in one go. The sharp taste of alcohol made my throat constrict, forcing me to cough softly.

He glanced at me again and raised his glass for a shallow sip.

"Leo, how rare for you to show such courtesy," remarked another gentleman seated nearby.

He wore an expression of keen interest and thrust a wine decanter into my hands. "Well? Pour him another."

My nerves were frayed. I was terrified of making a mistake and offending either party, but I couldn't afford to displease anyone. I had no choice but to step forward holding the decanter with both hands.

"Ah!" Someone tripped me, and I tumbled toward Leopold.

Damn it—the man beside Leopold had stuck out his foot!

Wine splashed across his shirt. The white fabric darkened where it soaked through. A few drops even landed in his hair.

I fell against him. My palm felt the solid muscle of his chest, warmth radiating through the fabric—exactly the same sensation as that night.

Snapping back to my senses, I scrambled to get off him. In my panic, I stepped on my hem and stumbled again.

Good God, how could such coincidences exist?

I fell solidly against him once more, my entire body pressed to his, hands braced on the sofa as though I were throwing myself at him.

"I'm sorry!" I stammered anxiously, my face burning like sunset clouds.

As I tried to rise, my lips accidentally grazed his neck. I felt his body tremble slightly.

Just as I was about to push myself up, his arm circled my waist and pulled me into his lap.

Kelan froze for a long moment, clearly taken aback by this turn of events. His eyes flashed with reluctance and conflict before hardening into resolve.

He bowed with a smile. "Since you've taken an interest in her, allow her to attend you tonight."

My lips trembled. My heart sank. He'd sold me out.

Kelan turned and left. Though I'd anticipated this, the reality still brought pain.

"Whew~" The man who'd caused my humiliation whistled and sat down casually with his drink. "I knew she was your type. You looked at her for two whole seconds."

"Someone's delivered herself to your doorstep. Don't let it go to waste."

Hearing him describe me like merchandise, I clenched my fists and mentally marked him down.

"Miss Freya, how does it feel to be sold by your own family?" He mocked me cruelly, that punchable expression on his face.

I wanted to deck him.

I adjusted my expression, looked up with a fake smile, and draped my arm over Leopold's shoulder.

"How do I feel?" My fingers toyed with a strand of hair. "Honored, of course."

I deliberately pressed closer to Leopold until our faces nearly touched, and taunted, "After all, Mr. Gray is extraordinarily wealthy. I'm sure he'll be very generous with me. Won't you?"

If I couldn't escape, why not use my advantages to profit?

He seemed caught off guard by my candor. After a stunned beat, he laughed. "Didn't expect you to be so interesting. That helpless act downstairs in front of your sister was fake, wasn't it? This is the real you."

Only then did I realize—when Tracy had given me grief earlier, they'd been watching the whole show from up here.

They'd seen through all my pretenses. In their eyes, I was nothing but a clown.

"Enough, White." Leopold cut him off. "Step out for a moment. I'd like a word with this young lady."

White raised an eyebrow but said nothing more, taking his glass and leaving.

Now only Leopold and I remained in this space.

As my thoughts spiraled, he suddenly seized my wrist.

I whirled around in alarm. He gripped my throat and slammed me down onto the sofa, his eyes dark and violent.

"You were last night's woman, weren't you?" His voice was ice. "Kelan's quite the schemer—drugging my drink yesterday, sending you to my bed. He plots against me and then dares to parade you in front of me?"

His grip was crushing. He was nearly choking the life out of me.

I felt his towering fury. Facing death, no matter how powerful he was, I had to struggle.

Just when I thought it was over, he released me.

"Cough, cough!" I coughed violently, tears streaming down my face, and made a decision.

Kelan would never dare drug Leopold. Otherwise, why would he so brazenly bring me before him tonight as an offering? Last night, I'd been given an aphrodisiac because of Tracy's scheme. The two events couldn't be connected.

What I could confirm now was that Leopold was investigating who'd slept with him last night. His viciousness suggested he believed the woman had been sent by rivals to entrap him with ulterior motives.

Though I'd stumbled into this situation innocently, I absolutely could not admit to it. I had to clear myself!

"Mr. Gray, I think there's been a misunderstanding. I stayed at a friend's house last night. If you don't believe me, investigate all you like." I looked at him with my practiced expression of grievance and innocence, hoping he'd believe me.

"Ha." He laughed coldly and loosened his tie. "Figured the surveillance was destroyed so there'd be no trace, did you?"

So the surveillance was broken. Even better. I'd never let him know I'd slept with him—not in this lifetime!

I struggled off the sofa, tears flowing, and protested, "I don't know what happened last night, but you can't just accuse people without proof."

"Kelan does have ideas about making me your mistress, that's true. But if he'd drugged and set you up beforehand, wouldn't he have sent me straight to your estate? Why wait until now?"

"Besides, I had no choice in any of this. I don't want to be your mistress. I already have someone I love!"

I mixed truth and lies to vent my unwillingness. A man who'd held power as long as he had would have tremendous pride. Surely he wouldn't force the issue.

He tilted my chin up, locking eyes with me, studying me. Doubt still lingered in his gaze.

After a long moment, he finally released me and glanced at me coldly. "Get out. Don't let me see you again."