Chapter 64
Chapter 64
Wendy wanted to ease the awkwardness .
Stanley lowered his striking gaze and looked at her , his lips curving into a teasing smile .
“ Help me ? ”
He was drugged , and now she was offering to help him .
Wendy froze , her small face turning crimson . She quickly waved her hands , flustered . “ It’s not what you think ! I can help you in another way ! ”
“ Oh ? ” Stanley raised an eyebrow , watching her flail in a hurry to explain herself . His tone lightened , amused . ” And what other way would that be ? ”
Wendy couldn’t speak .
Was he doing this on purpose ? Teasing her on purpose ?
The mature man seemed to enjoy the playful torment .
Now , standing right in front of her , Stanley’s long legs were encased in tailored slacks , his lean waist adorned by an expensive black belt .
Wendy dared not look below his waist . She couldn’t look there . But her face was almost level with it , so her eyes wandered nervously , unable to focus on one spot .
Then , she felt her face cupped in his large hand . His lips curved in a smile . “ Wendy , what are you staring at ? ”
Earlier , she had been examining his room , and now she was sneaking peeks at him .
Wendy flushed , stammering , “ I – I wasn’t looking ! ” She stood up , ready to escape .
But Stanley wouldn’t let her go . His hand still held her face . “ Why were you sent to the countryside ? ” he asked , his voice casual .
Wendy froze . She looked up at him , unsure what he meant .
“ Did no one want you ? ” he pressed .
No one wanted her ?
The words struck Wendy’s heart like a blow . She felt her eyes well up with tears . It wasn’t just sadness ; it was the sting of abandonment , the feeling that she had been discarded by the world .
And the worst part ? The man who had once claimed he wanted her around had changed his mind too .
Her eyes locked onto him , a mixture of sorrow and longing . Stanley looked down at her , his posture commanding . If he wished , he could shield any woman in his strong arms .
At this moment , Stanley thought she looked utterly pitiful . From his vantage point , she sat on his bed , her delicate face still carrying a touch of youthful innocence . Now , her clear eyes shimmered with unshed tears .
She was luring him in – tempting him to want her , to claim her , to protect her .
An invisible tension pulled between them , thick with unspoken desire , setting his nerves on edge .
The fire Stanley had been suppressing surged uncontrollably . His fingers tightened around her soft cheeks , forcing her little mouth into an “ O ” shape , revealing her white teeth and the hint of her crimson tongue .
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Chapter 64
Gulping , Stanley abruptly let go , pulling his hand back . “ I need to take a cold shower . ”
He turned , heading for the bathroom .
Wendy sat back on the bed . She didn’t need anyone anymore But seeing Stanley , she couldn’t help but feel the overwhelming urge to lean on him – to lean on the man who had once said he wanted her around when the world had cast her aside .
Yet , he didn’t want her around .
He wanted Jessica .
The Crone family villa was a mess . Archer and Natalie had left with Trish , swearing viciously under their breath . Edith , fallen ill from anger , had been rushed to the hospital .
Jessica and Lilian sat on the couch , their once – perfect makeup now ruined , clearly showing they hadn’t been able to defeat the third branch .
The birthday banquet had turned the Crone family into the laughing stock of Hovendale .
Jessica seethed , her teeth clenched . Then , suddenly , she remembered Stanley . The guests had left , but where had Stanley gone ?
“ Stanley ? Stanley ! ”