Dorris had no idea why Kenneth suddenly erupted in such a fury. He stiffened and took two steps back, nodding quickly. "Y-yes, sir."

Kenneth took a couple of deep breaths before sitting back down in his chair. So, his wife had been cheating on him last night! That woman! Sure, by some crazy twist of fate, he was the one she ended up sleeping with. But what if she had run into someone else? Wouldn't that have meant he'd been cheated on for sure?!

"M-Mr. Butler... you just asked for all of your wife's information. We already ran a full background check on her a year ago, when you two were married. Should I... go get that for you?"

"Then what are you waiting for?!" Kenneth roared at him.

"Yes, sir!" Dorris immediately left the office. Five minutes later, he returned with Renee Avery's file.

Thank goodness he had a habit of keeping copies of everything. Dorris thought President Butler would have blown a gasket today! It was just a single, thin sheet of A4 paper. Kenneth's eyes narrowed.

"Are you kidding me? This is it?"

Dorris bent over and kept his head low, not daring to breathe too loudly. "Yes, Mr Butler. If you recall, wasn't it because her background was so clean that you agreed to the marriage in the first place?" Kenneth had completely forgotten about that. He turned his attention to the paper.

Emily Avery, twenty-one years old, is a junior at Zenith Film Academy, majoring in acting. Father: Aidan. Mother: Penelope. Half-brother: Grady. Half-sister: Bailey. Half-brother: Bradley.

The family owns an ancestral vineyard, Avery Vineyard, which is poorly managed and on the brink of bankruptcy. The rest is just some trivial information about Emily Avery, barely filling half a page of A4 paper.

"Emily Avery..." Kenneth softly murmured the name. So, her name was Emily Avery. The information was from last year, so she should be about twenty-two now and on the verge of graduating from college. Even though last night, this woman brought immense pleasure, letting him experience the bliss of his first time, the moment he remembered her original intention, to cheat on him. He was filled with a white-hot rage.

"Where is she now?"

Kenneth lifted his head.

"Mr Butler, on your instructions, she was settled in the Prism City villa. She doesn't spend much time there; most of her time is split between school and her younger brother's place. As for right now... well, it's May, so she should be graduating soon."

Dorris answered nervously, careful not to leave out a single detail. " Has a perfectly running around but keeps running around!" Kenneth crumpled the A4 paper into a ball and tossed it into the trash can.

So, cheating on him had been her plan all along! Still, at least she hadn't succeeded. Because he knew, for a fact, that last night had been her first time. Lionel had told him that a woman bleeds her first time, and he had seen the blood on the white sheets yesterday.

"Is there anyone else at Prism City?"

"There's a maid there, a young girl in her early twenties, who's taking care of Madam."

"Go and tell her that I'm coming home tonight."

Dorris was taken aback. It had been a whole year since Kenneth had gone back, and now he suddenly wanted to return? But he didn't dare to ask more questions. After Kenneth was on the warpath. All he needed to do was to obey.

Z-Ford Film Academy

Emily Avery was about to graduate soon. It was May, and she was juggling her thesis and job hunting, feeling completely overwhelmed. She went home to rest for a bit after being worn out by that man last night. Despite her exhaustion, she dragged herself to school because she needed some materials for her research and was just about to head straight for the library.

A red Maserati screeched to a halt right in front of her, the sharp sound of its brakes turning heads all around. The car door opened. A pair of red high heels was the first to emerge, followed by a pair of long, flawless legs. And then, Emily saw her clearly.

It was her younger sister, Bailey Avery.

"Wow, it's Bailey Avery! What a gorgeous car!"

"Yeah, her boyfriend is the CEO of A&B International. She signed with A&B International early on, and it looks like she's going to become a big superstar soon!"

People around are murmuring with awe and envy. Renee didn't want to run into her and pretended not to see her, heading towards the library when a familiar voice called her out.

"Sis! Long time no see!" Bailey removed her sunglasses and waved nonchalantly at Emily. Emily shut her eyes, took a deep breath, and turned around with a big smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Yes, it has been a while. What a coincidence!"

In this school, many students would be future stars, but Bailey Avery had already become one in her sophomore year. She used to train in gymnastics and even represented the school in an International competition. Later, she took up acting, signed with A&B International.

In many people's eyes, she was a rising star! Naturally, her appearance drew a lot of attention, and people began to gather around.

"Bailey Avery has a sister?" someone from the crowd cautiously inquired.

" Yeah, I've heard Baily Avery is good at everything, but her sister is good at nothing! They're both in the drama department, but while Bailey is always the lead, her sister is just an extra!"

Hearing the surrounding whispers, Emily felt a pang of discomfort in her heart. " Sis, it's great running into you today. Nick and I are getting engaged soon, so you must come to the party."

"Oh, really? After all this time together, it's just an engagement?" Emily couldn't help but scoff, her eyes filled with disdain. The remark clearly stung Bailey. Her face darkened momentarily before she quickly regained her superior demeanour.

"Yes, the Richards Family is quite prestigious, so things like this take time. But don't worry, Sis, you'll soon be toasting at our wedding." Bailey's eyes were full of pride. She had every reason to flaunt in front of Renee.

After all, Nick Richards used to belong to Emily Avery.

Emily didn't show any bit of sadness. "Alright then, I'll be sure to drink a lot at the wedding. It would be a shame to waste all the effort my dear sister put into winning over my brother-in-law!"

Bailey knew that Emily's words had a hidden meaning. She was well aware of Emily's sharp tongue. But now, Renee was just a defeated opponent, only able to make snide remarks over her.

"Sis, I heard no company wants to sign you yet. Are you still doing bit parts? How about I talk to Nick to help you out?"

"No need. I'll find a company to sign with. If there's nothing else, I'm heading to the library." Emily shot her a glance and started to turn away.

"I know you're hurting inside! But who can you blame but yourself for not cherishing what you had back then?" Bailey had no intention of letting her go easily. Just as Emily turned, a sapphire-blue sports car zoomed up and screeched to a halt in front of them with lightning speed.

It was a LaFerrari!

Gleaming under the sun, the sapphire-blue beast looked like a predator poised for battle, its presence radiating pure, murderous intent.

All eyes were drawn to the LaFerrari that had roared onto the campus. Though the school had seen its fair share of celebrities and alumni driving luxury cars, this particular car was a first for everyone.

Even Bailey Avery couldn't take her eyes off it, her gaze fixed in astonishment. This car could easily buy her a Maserati ten times over!

And to think, she had to pester Nick Edwards for ages just to get that Maserati.

The car door opened, and a man stepped out.

Kenneth Butler.

He was dressed simply in a pair of light grey linen pants and a white T-shirt, an outfit that was both casual and natural. But the face he revealed to the crowd was another matter entirely.

It was so devastatingly handsome it seemed almost supernatural. And his eyes, a startling blue, looked as if they could pull the very soul from anyone who dared to meet his gaze.

The moment Emily saw Kenneth, her eyes widened, and she wished she could find a hole to crawl into.

Could the world be any smaller?

They just slept together yesterday, and now they were running into each other today!

Kenneth walked calmly over to Emily, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and pulled her possessively into his embrace.

Emily stood there, frozen like a statue.

Bailey was utterly confused. Did Emily get herself a boyfriend?

"Sis, who is this?" Bailey sized up Kenneth from head to toe.

"Uh..."

"Isn't it obvious?" Kenneth raised an eyebrow, a smug expression on his face.

Bailey smiled warmly and extended her hand.

"So, you're my sister's boyfriend? Nice to meet you. I'm Bailey Avery, Emily's sister."

Kenneth glanced at the outstretched hand and instinctively frowned, but didn't take it.

"Oh, so what?" Kenneth asked disdainfully.

Bailey was left in an awkward position by his words.

She quickly turned her gaze to Emily. "Sis, why didn't you tell me that you had a boyfriend? Now I can finally relax. I'm glad you've finally moved on from Nick. You were so heartbroken back then, not eating or drinking. I was really worried about you."

Emily knew all too well that Bailey couldn't stand her being happy. Even if she had a boyfriend, Bailey would try to ruin it.

Kenneth wasn't dumb either; he could sense the underlying meaning in Bailey's words.

"I need to get to the library. I'm not sticking around for this," Emily said, eager to leave.

"Alright then, I won't keep you. But when Nick and I get engaged, you must bring your boyfriend along," Bailey said, waving her hand before driving off in her Maserati.

Emily shot a sideways glance at Kenneth, brushed his hand off, and stormed towards the library with long strides.

"Hey!"

The crowd dispersed.

Emily swiped her card and entered the library, letting out a deep breath.

The library was strictly for students, and even students couldn't get in without their library cards. She really didn't want to see that man!

Emily wove through the stacks, finally tracking down the book she was looking for. There was just one problem: she wasn't quite tall enough, and the book was on the very top shelf.

She jumped a couple of times, but couldn't grab it. Just as she was staring at it, completely at a loss, a long, elegant hand reached past her and plucked the book from its spot.

Emily looked up to see Kenneth's mischievous smile.

"How did you get in here?"

"Easy," Kenneth replied with a smug grin, raising an eyebrow. "I just chatted up the girl at the entrance."

Emily gritted her teeth in frustration.

That girl at the entrance!

For the past four years, on rare occasion, she had forgotten her library card, that l; the librarian had been completely unmovable, stone-faced, no matter how much she begged or pleaded. And yet, she had let a total outsider in without a second thought!

Completely bewitched by that handsome face!

"We agreed to stay out of each other's way, didn't we? What do you want?" Emily whispered, her voice low.

The library was so quiet that any louder conversation would be overheard by other students.]

"You were right last night," Kenneth said." We rushed things. We should have figured everything out first."

"Rushed? What do you mean by "rushed"? Didn't we make everything clear?" Emily glared at Kenneth, her eyes burning with intensity.

Kenneth leaned in close, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, "Are you implying I wasn't fast enough for you last night? Should I try to be quicker next time?"

Emily understood Kenneth's implication, and a hot blush crept up her cheeks. She bit down hard on her lip.

"What do you want?"

"I don't want anything. Just explain yourself. Why do you want to have a baby?"

Emily glanced at Kenneth, "THIS REALLY HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU. Even if I am Pregnant, I won't cling to you. You can rest assured!"

As she spoke, Emily scanned the surroundings, worried that a classmate or teacher might come by.

Kenneth propped one arm against the bookshelf, his entire body blocking the shelves.

He lowered his gaze, staring at Emily's flushed face.

Emily looked up and met Kenneth's bright, sparkling eyes.

Those sharp, sculpted features, that perfect face, those sexy, thin lips...

Her face turned an even deeper shade of red.

This man was, quite simply, a devil.

Julia pushed against Royce's chest with both hands, but he didn't budge an inch.

Just as she was about to pull her hands back, Royce suddenly grabbed one of her hands, pressing it against his chest.

"If you want to touch, just say so. Go ahead,

don't stop. I won't charge you!"

EmilyAvery's face turned even redder, like a ripe tomato. She felt like she could hardly breathe!

"Who wants to touch you?!" Julia turned her head to the side.

"Then why are you blushing?" Kenneth

released Emily's hand, instead lifting her chin to turn her flushed little face towards him.

Emily tried to struggle, and although she was quite strong for a girl, she was up against a grown man!

Her strength was no match for Kenneth's!

"That hurts!" Julia felt like her chin was about to be crushed.

Only then did Kenneth let go. "So, are you going to talk or not?"

"There's really nothing to talk about! So what if you know? It has nothing to do with you! I'm begging you, just let me go. Let's just say we... had a one-night stand, and after this, we'll be strangers!"

"Oh... Is that so?"

Emily let out a cold snort, pulling out his phone from his pocket. He navigated to a photo in his gallery and showed it to Emily.

"Here. I've got something for you."

Emily's eyes widened in shock when she saw the photo on the screen!

She was completely naked in the photo!

And Worse, her skin was covered in hickeys.

She lunged for his phone, but he pulled it back effortlessly. "Now will you talk?"

"You scoundrel!" Emily glared fiercely at Emily. "How dare you take

secret photos of me!"

"Yes, I am a scoundrel," he agreed without a hint of shame. "And if you don't tell me what I want to know, believe me, I will make sure every single person in this university gets a copy of these photos."

"..."

"I've got even juicier stuff, by the way. Wanna see?"

Emily stared into the man's light blue depths, filled with an irresistible allure. 

From his eyes, she knew she was in trouble.

"This isn't the place to talk. Let's find somewhere else," she said, feeling helpless.

....

At the coffee shop.

Silence, Silence. And more silence...

Emily narrowed her eyes, glaring at the man sitting across from her, as if she could bore holes into him with her gaze.

Kenneth, on the other hand, leisurely sipped his coffee.

Just a while ago in the library, he was eager to know why Julia wanted to have a child, but now he remained silent.

It seemed he expected Kenneth to speak eventually, especially since he had leverage over her.

"What did I ever do to you? Why are you treating me like this?" Emilly finally broke the silence.

Kenneth let out a cold chuckle, took another sip of his coffee, and slowly placed the cup back on the table.

"Just curious."

Kenneth couldn't help but roll her eyes. "If I tell you, will you delete the photos?"

"No problem."

Emily sighed deeply. "I'm married."

 Kenneth wasn't surprised at all by what he heard. Of course, he knew she was married-he was her husband!

"Oh, your man can't satisfy you?" he asked with a smirk.

Kenneth lowered her head shyly. "You slept with me last night... You should know, it was my first time, so my husband and I..."

"Then why do you want to have a baby?"

Kenneth pondered for a moment.

"A fortune teller said our family needs a child to ward off bad luck. So, I have to get pregnant within a year."

Kenneth scrutinized Emily's clear, bright eyes. Despite their clarity, he still found her explanation a bit

dubious.

"You believe in that superstitious nonsense?"

"Believe it or not, it's up to you," she replied.

"To ward off bad luck? Is someone in your family dying?"

As soon as Kenneth uttered the word "dying," Emily slammed her hand on the table, her face turning pale with anger. "Shut up!"

Kenneth instinctively looked at Emily. She seemed so delicate and fragile, but in that moment, he saw a

stubborn look in her eyes.

Emily realized she had overreacted to the word "dying" and quickly turned her head away.

"Anyway, it's very important to me. I have to have a baby within a year," she insisted.

"Then why don't you ask your husband?" Kenneth questioned.

"My husband?" Emily turned back to him, looking incredulous. "That balding old man? I don't even know if he can have kids!"

"Balding old man?"

Kenneth instinctively reached up and touched his hair. He wasn't balding! His hair was perfectly healthy and stylish! Why would she say that?

Thinking back, on the day of the marriage registration, he had gone golfing with Lionel. His secretary, Dorris, and the family butler, Maurus, had handled the paperwork.

Maurus, who was in his fifties and indeed balding, must have been mistaken for him.

Emily knocked on the table, snapping Kenneth back to reality. "If I told you that I haven't seen my husband even once in the year we've been married, would you believe me?

Kenneth certainly believed her. If she had seen him, they wouldn't be sitting here talking!

"That's hard to believe," he replied, feigning skepticism.

Emily shook her head. "I knew you wouldn't believe me, but I've honestly never met him. I don't even know his name. At the wedding registration, my only job was to provide my own documents and sign my

name. I was just about to sneak a peek at my new husband's name when that detestable secretary snatched the certificate away."

Kenneth silently thought, "Well done, Dorris."

"Oh."

"And then, they dumped me in a villa and left me

alone."

"Oh, and why would they do that?" Kenneth asked, pretending not to know the answer.

Emily stroked her chin thoughtfully. "My guess is he's probably too ugly and afraid for me to see him. Or maybe he's impotent and ashamed of it. Or perhaps I was

married off to him as a good-luck charm while he was on his deathbed."

Each word left a sour taste in Emily's mouth, but he couldn't refute it.

He had a devilishly handsome face! He was powerful and could last all night! How could he possibly be impotent?

"Well, maybe there are other reasons," Kenneth said with a dry laugh.

"You see? My life is a total tragedy! So please, just let me go," Emily immediately grabbed Kenneth's hand, looking at him with pitiful eyes, tears almost spilling out.

For a professionally trained actress like her, this level of skill was practically a requirement.

Seeing her heart-wrenchingly pitiful expression, Royce felt his own heartbeat skip. This girl... she really knew how to pull at a man's heartstrings.

"I've told you everything, so... will you delete the

photos now?" Emily pleaded.

Kenneth cleared his throat. "I can delete them," he said. "But you have to promise me one thing."

Emily's expression changed instantly. "Don't push your luck. I told you everything you wanted to know. You promised to delete them once I did!"

Kenneth waved his phone. "I hold all the cards here. I know you weren't telling me the whole truth, but frankly, I'm not interested anymore."

"You-" Emily gritted her teeth. This man was really difficult to deal with. "Fine, what's your condition? Say it!"

Kenneth smirked. "Let me sleep with you one more time."

"You shameless pig!" Julia wanted nothing more than to slap that infuriatingly handsome face.

"Me, shameless? You're a married woman who went out looking for a man to take to bed. Don't you think that's shameless? I'm not married. What's so wrong with me finding a woman for the night?"

"You-"

Emily was on the verge of losing her mind. She regretted her decisions so deeply that it felt like her insides were twisting.

People always said you

couldn't trust a beautiful woman, but a handsome man was even worse!

"Anyway, you've already cheated on your husband once. What's one more time?" Kenneth said, giving her a sly, sideways glance.

He wanted to see if she would dare to cheat on him again.

"No way! I have principles. Sleeping with you was a last resort; it was to have a baby!"

"Is there a difference? Besides, what if you didn't get pregnant? We might as well try again tonight. Who knows, it might work this time."Kenneth winked.

Emily bit her lip.

Honestly, she couldn't bring herself to do it a second time. Her conscience wouldn't allow it.

"Take your time. I'm in no rush," Kenneth said, leaning back on the couch and sipping his coffee.

Time ticked away, second by second.

Emily's mind was in turmoil.

If Kenneth Butler didn't delete those photos, if they got out, her life would be ruined.

If she were just an ordinary person, it might not matter as much. But she was going to be an actress. Photos like that could destroy her career

and reputation completely.

But if she slept with him again, her conscience would never forgive her.

After all, the reason she needed to have a baby was...

"I..."

Just as Kenneth was about to speak, her phone rang

urgently.

"Let me take this call first." Julia pressed the answer button, "Hello?"

"What did you say?" My husband is coming home?!"