Even just now, when she appeared, her mother—who used to treat her like a precious treasure, afraid she’d melt if held in her mouth or break if held in her hands—kept her distance, not even offering a word of concern, acting as if she didn’t know her at all. Her father, Charles Hua, was equally shocked, but the joy he should have shown at seeing her was nowhere to be found. Three days—just three days—had dragged her from paradise into hell.
She was no longer the high and mighty young lady, but a neglected plaything—unloved by her father and mother, left to be toyed with by an old man.
Now, if her father didn’t meet Raymond Lei’s demands, she had no idea what awaited her.
She couldn’t understand how things had come to this. Why had her entire world turned upside down so suddenly?
As a pampered young lady, shielded from all worries, how could she possibly grasp the complexity of human hearts? How could she realize that Charles Hua’s lack of joy stemmed from his suspicion that Raymond Lei only wanted her for his own gain? Or that Autumn Du kept her distance out of fear of provoking the cruel Raymond Lei? And Autumn Du also worried that if Raymond Lei did something terrible, Charles Hua would vent his anger on her!
Quentin Hua sat down, holding Roxy Shangguan in his arms, and unceremoniously ordered the maid to prepare breakfast—lest Roxy go hungry, since it was nearly lunchtime already.
Quentin Hua ignored the gazes directed at him, but someone else couldn’t hold back any longer. Raymond Lei, after much restraint, finally spoke up. “Master Quentin, though you are Charles Hua’s son, I am also his son-in-law.” His tone was polite, even cautious, as he spoke while watching Quentin Hua’s expression—testing the waters of Quentin’s attitude.
He addressed Charles Hua by name, showing just how little respect he had for him. After all, Charles Hua was hardly someone worthy of his attention.
As long as Quentin Hua didn’t compete with him, the Hua Family’s fortune would be his for the taking. A wealthy businessman like Charles Hua, who had only business partners and no real friends, posed no threat to him. The only reason he’d gone to such lengths to marry Wendy Hua was to gain a legitimate claim, so that other powers wouldn’t challenge him.
He knew Quentin Hua must have understood his intentions from the start, but back then Quentin had supported him. So now, he assumed, Quentin wouldn’t interfere either.
Quentin Hua cradled Roxy Shangguan with one arm, resting his head on the other, and smiled lazily. "Master Raymond, do as you please." He was clearly just here to watch the drama, with no intention of interfering. The Hua Family’s fortune might be tempting, but it held no allure for him—he had no shortage of silver.
As for the Hua Family, he cared even less. Even now, with Charles Hua and Autumn Du’s attitude toward him changed, it made no difference.
Roxy Shangguan reached out to rub his face, a little conflicted. “Quincy, you really shouldn’t smile so much!” Didn’t he notice Joyce Du’s fiery gaze practically burning through him?
But upon hearing this, Quentin Hua’s smile grew even brighter—his alluring grin dazzling to the eyes. Joyce Du’s obvious gaze was something anyone with a hint of awareness could feel, yet Quentin seemed oblivious. Roxy Shangguan grew frustrated, her heart bubbling over with envy.
Seeing her sulky expression, Quentin Hua’s lips curved even more as a low chuckle escaped his throat. This little mischief-maker was always so playful—he just couldn’t resist making her a little jealous.
But he had forgotten to consider the consequences.
Roxy Shangguan’s face turned serious as she glared at him—just stared and stared—until Quentin Hua finally stopped laughing. He reached out, pinched her cheek, and comforted her, “Alright, I’ll stop smiling!”
A sweet smile appeared on Roxy Shangguan’s little face, and Quentin Hua couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. Her earlier expression had made him worry things were getting serious, but now it seemed everything was fine.
But just as he relaxed, Roxy Shangguan tugged at his sleeve, smiling as she said, “Quincy, the weather’s getting hotter. Tonight, I want to sleep alone.”
Hot weather? Sylas Ren twitched the corner of his mouth and glanced outside—today’s sun was gentle, and the temperature wasn’t high at all.
Quentin Hua’s expression shifted, and he quickly offered her a candy, speaking gently, “Even if it’s hot, the nights can still be chilly. What if you kick off the covers and catch a cold?” Smartly, he didn’t argue about the heat.
Sylas Ren shot Quentin Hua a look of disdain. The weather wasn’t hot, but it certainly wasn’t cold either. Catch a cold just from kicking off the covers? Did he forget who he was talking about? She’s the little devil! With her deep powers, it’s almost impossible for her to catch a chill!
“Then…” Roxy Shangguan popped the candy into her mouth, her face hesitant. But just as Quentin Hua thought he’d appeased her, she suddenly said, “Then I’ll sleep with Aunt Kathy!”
At these words, Kathy Ren excitedly broke free from Evan Hua’s arm, rushed over to Quentin Hua, and snatched Roxy Shangguan away, planting two noisy kisses on her little face. She asked eagerly, “Really? Roxy, you’re really going to sleep with me tonight?”
Roxy Shangguan nodded helplessly.
“I don’t agree!” With a loud shout, Evan Hua dashed over to snatch Roxy Shangguan away. Kathy Ren dodged left and right, shouting angrily, “Evan Hua, how dare you fight me for my little cutie! Do you want to die?”
Evan Hua tried to take Roxy Shangguan from Kathy Ren’s arms, coaxing gently, “Sweet wife, be good, quickly give Roxy back to Quentin.”
“No!” Kathy Ren grew even more spirited, clutching Roxy Shangguan tightly. Roxy was now conflicted and regretful—had she just made trouble for herself?
She glanced weakly at Quentin Hua, her eyes clearly pleading: Quincy, save me! If you rescue me, I’ll sleep with you tonight!
Quentin Hua wouldn’t let such a good opportunity slip by. He got up, walked over, and with Evan Hua’s help, effortlessly snatched Roxy Shangguan back.
“Ahhh… my little cutie…” Kathy Ren stretched out her arms, desperately trying to grab Roxy Shangguan.
Evan Hua quickly hugged her, whispered something in her ear—who knows what—and Kathy Ren finally, reluctantly, stopped struggling. But the look she gave Roxy Shangguan was full of sorrow and longing.