"Did you spend the night out yesterday?"

His questioning struck her heart as Roxanne felt her palms get a little sweaty.

"Babe?" Christopher's voice sounded again, reminding her that he was awaiting her answer.

Roxanne raised her head to face his gaze filled with suspicion and discontent. Even his voice was a few degrees colder.

"Babe, answer me. Where were you last night?"

Babe? Roxanne sneered at this word. Well, he still had no idea that she was next door last night, or he shouldn't dare call her 'babe' anymore.

"Ah, yes. I spent the night at Iris's place." Placing an apathetic face, she lied without batting a lash.

No way was she allowing her plan to fall apart just because of a small slip-up after she had come this far.

Christopher narrowed his eyes at her. "Well, is that so?"

His voice was soft but full of skepticism. Christopher had known Roxanne for more than seven years, their story went as far back as the first year of college. He knew his fiancée well.

A rich good girl with a simple mind, easy to extort her fortune with his sweet words.

But today, it felt that she was different, and he couldn't pinpoint the exact thing yet made him subconsciously uneasy.

He couldn't give up now, before he managed to marry her and got her family fortune in hand. That would be an important help for him to defeat Lance and succeed in winning the heir-ship.

Christopher took a step forward with a smile, trying to soothe her, "You never told me you had plans of doing so. Why'd you suddenly change your mind without informing me?"

For the first time, Roxanne saw through the coldness behind his warm smile so clearly.

She avoided his embrace without a trace and squeezed out a smile at him, "Didn't you say you had to work late last night? I just didn't want to bother you."

Her voice sounded tender as before, but the way she looked at him somehow hit Christopher as if she had noticed his affair. NO! She wouldn't. They covered it well.

Christopher then hurriedly explained, "Don't say that, babe. I also want to spend more time with you but we're marrying soon and I need to work hard for our future."

'Deceitful bastard.' Roxanne sneered on the inside, 'You actually mean your hard work hard on the hotel bed, right?'

She clenched her fingers shut as she boiled on the inside with rage and betrayal and just when it seemed like she was about to lose all sense of reasoning and charge at him, the sound of her phone ringing went off in her bag.

"Roxy, have you gotten home yet?" Iris, her best friend's voice heavy with a country accent was the first thing that graced both their ears after the line had connected.

Roxanne glanced in Christopher's direction briefly before speaking. "Yeah, I made it home alright. Thanks for having me last night, it was of big help."

"No problem babes, I'm just glad you made it home alright, wouldn't want Chris holding a saw up to my throat."

Roxanne forced a laugh. "I don't think he'd do that, as a matter of fact, he's here right now." She said and shoved the phone in his direction.

Christopher didn't like the idea of speaking up as he and Iris never got along since the first day, but in order to confirm last night's situation he greeted her. "Hey, Iris."

"Well if it isn't Christopher Laurent."

"Hm, yeah. By the way, thanks for having Roxy last night, it took a lot of worry off my shoulders."

"Yeah, it was no problem.. Roxy, since you are home, I am officially relieved of my duties. See you later, girl." Those were Iris's last words before the line went silent, leaving Roxanne and Christopher alone once more as they stood on the porch of her house.

"See? I was not lying to you." She looked at him with displeasure in her eyes.

"I'm sorry babe." Knowing he might have overthought the entire situation, Christopher scratched his head in embarrassment and wanted to apologize with a kiss.

"I have to go in and change now." Roxanne skillfully dodged him as she turned to open the house door.

Her heart almost exploded the moment she stepped into the bathroom. She gripped onto the wash hand basin for support and exhaled heavily through her lips.

That was so close! That she was almost being caught after her first cheating night!

At that moment, her phone buzzed and Iris' text came in.

「You owe me a favor, girl. Tell me the truth later! 」

Reading her playful words, Roxanne couldn't help but smile. On the way she hurried home she had contacted Iris to cover for her but had no time to explain too much. Luckily, it worked.

Since Christopher was a very deductive person, she had to perform better to make this game more fun.

'Come on, Roxy, it's just the beginning.' She reminded herself as she gazed at the reflection in the mirror.

***

When they arrived at the mansion of the Laurent family, there were already quite a few guests and many of them were the business partners of Roxanne's parents.

To help Christopher get a foothold in the Laurent family, Roxanne had introduced him to many investments and contacts before. After their engagement, he also gained more respect from others. Yet, the man was not grateful at all.

Roxanne silently took a sip of her wine while Christopher was hinting at her to convince the guest to invest in his new project. And just when she was ready to implicitly reject it, a clamor raised at the entrance.

With a beautiful drift, a black Mercedes Maybach stopped steadily at the entrance. Seconds later, the door opened and a male stepped out of his vehicle. With the shiny and successful aura he exhibited, any person would have been able to tell who he was.

Lance Laurent, the true heir of this household.

Hating his stepbrother as he was, Christopher still placed a friendly expression on his face walking towards him.

"Hey, Lance. You finally come."

However, Lance just ignored his very existence but scanned his eyes through the crowd. The moment they landed on Roxanne, his lips pulled upwards and approached her direction.

The way he looked at her was exactly the same as last night. Dangerous and sexy.

At that moment, Roxanne felt like she had become the prey of a hunting predator. She wished to run, but her feet were just feeling pinned in place, preventing her from escaping.

Finally, he stopped in front of her with his hands tucked into his pocket and a more evil smirk on his lips.

"Hello sister-in-law. How was your night?"

His voice was playful and Roxanne immediately remembered the sultry scene he coaxed her to chant his name on the bed.

She could feel her face a bit blushed and when she noticed his pleased smile, she couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed.

'Don't let him get to you, Roxy. It's nothing more than a one-night stand.'

Christopher was not happy to see his stepbrother was too close to his fiancée, especially after being ignored by Lance. He kept his flaring nostrils to a minimum and matched right back to Roxanne's side, taking her hand in his, which made Roxanne calm down.

She did nothing wrong last night.

"My night was pleasant. Thank you for your concern, brother-in-law," Roxanne spoke as she forced a smile onto her lips.

Lance was pleased by her answer at first but when his eyes gravitated towards her fingers entwined with Christopher's, his grin completely faded.

He wanted to say something more but Christopher quickly dragged Roxanne along to greet the family as per the duties of an 'upright son.'

Christopher definitely didn't like the way how Lance looked at his fiancée.

"Oh my, Roxanne. What is that on your neck?"

Roxanne was confused for a few seconds when Christopher's mother Grace exclaimed. Then she quickly realized what Christopher's mother meant was the hickeys Lance had left.

She had warned him!

Roxanne couldn't help but glare in Lance's direction secretly as she covered the hickey, only to see Lance walk toward them with a playful smile.

Hell, what was he going to do?!

"Come on, Christopher my son. How could you be so wild even before the wedding?" Grace teased with a sleazy chuckle, wanting to let all the guests learn that her son's marriage to the daughter of the Grant family was imminent.

So, it remained to be seen to whom the heir-ship will go.

All in her complacency, Grace didn't notice the frozen face of her son. Christopher stared at Roxanne with hidden anger in his eyes, waiting for a reasonable explanation.

The last time they had made love was months ago. When and how the hell could she get such a mark? He couldn't believe that a meek girl like Roxanne even dared to cheat on him.

Meeting his angry gaze, Roxanne felt her heart clench but it soon turned to be the thrill of revenge.

'See? No one likes to be cheated on, Christopher.'

She sneered inside and simply explained, "Ah, this is just a mosquito bite."

"A mosquito bite?"

Her answer caused the faces of the crowd to vary.

Grace was embarrassed, Christopher was confused, and Lance's grin froze on his lips.

How dare this woman compare him to an obnoxious mosquito?

'You'd better be ready to pay the price for your words, woman.' Lance thought as he took a sip of the wine in his hand.

Trying her best to ignore Lance's meaningful gaze, Roxanne took Christopher's hand in hers and explain to him again.

"Iris had forgotten to fumigate her place."

She knew Christopher wouldn't buy her words at once, but he had no reason to doubt her when 'she was at Iris' home last night'.

"You know I hate mosquitoes the most, but you were not there by my side at that time." She pouted as she complained to Christopher, which slowly dispelled his doubts.

Maybe he was just overthinking. Where did a good girl like her get the guts to cheat? Christopher always knew how much she cherished marriage and family.

Watching the couple regain their apparent harmony, Lance chuckled, "Yeah, good job of the mosquito."

His sarcastic comment had both Christopher and Roxanne glancing at him. Roxanne warned him with her eyes but Lance didn't care at all. He seemed to say something more, the voice of his father sounded to draw all their attention.

"Thank you all for taking the time to attend our family party." Lance's father Layton raised his wine glass high at the center stage as he stated, "In addition to celebrating the birthday of my father, the Chairman of the Laurent Cop, there is one more important announcement to make today."

Layton smiled mysteriously, making the hearts of the crowd tense up. And finally, his eyes fell on Lance.

"Let's make a toast to my son Lance Laurent who shall be engaged by the end of this month."

The words were followed by applause.

There was a tradition in the Laurent family that the offspring could only get the heir-ship after they got married. Most people had thought the succession was close to going to the stepson Christopher first, after all, he was already engaged while Lance still enjoyed the indulgent single life without any semblance of getting married.

Yet now, a simple engagement announcement helped Lance win back easily.

Sure enough, the Laurent family value their own bloodline more.

Nearly at once, Lance was quickly surrounded by congratulations from different guests.

Roxanne couldn't see his face clearly as she was pushed out of the way by the crowd. But she could clearly feel the anger from Christopher, who was standing beside her but staring hard at Lance.

For a moment, Roxanne had a feeling of indescribable pleasure.

She hadn't yet carried out much of her plan, and Christopher was going to lose everything. This should be his retribution for betraying her, right?

Roxanne stepped closer, intending to watch more of his suffering face but Christopher just turned away, excusing himself to the restroom.

In an instant, her heart hit rock bottom again. So, this was his true attitude toward her. As long as he found she was useless to him, he would abandon her like trash.

He doesn't love her at all.

Roxanne should be glad that she had already found this out, but why did her heart still hurt?

** ** ** **

[Third Floor, fifth room.]

Roxanne stared at the message on her phone that had come from an unknown number.

She was ready to leave when other guests were standing outside in the garden watching the exquisite firework show.

Christopher was not in the mood after that announcement, and she was also not interested in pretending to keep this loveless relationship. She would inform him of dismissing their engagement soon, but not today.

She was not going to break him twice in one night. This would be her last mercy for him.

After all, he did accompany her at the darkest time when she lost her parents.

After tonight, they would have no relationship and she would start her new life.

Ignoring the inexplicable message, Roxanne was about to leave. But it was as if the other party had read her mind. A new message popped up again.

[If you don't want to let others know about last night, come over soon.]

Damn it! She knew she had chosen the wrong date for a one-night stand last night.

Lance Laurent. Why would he try to pester her when he clearly had no shortage of women? And it was not to mention he'd already engaged.

That liar.

She clearly remembered that she had confirmed his single condition before she took him to the hotel. Obviously, he lied to her.

Roxanne was tempted to walk away but recalling the madness that had flashed in his eyes, she decided it was better to have a talk to him.

It was only a one-night stand and they should just forget it.

She looked back to observe the garden where everyone was focusing on the firework show and they would only think she had gone home. It wouldn't hurt for a short stay.

She finally arrived at the location Lance had told her as she walked through the building. In front of the room, she took a deep breath in, calming her nerves as she raised her to push the door open but stopped when she heard the familiar sound of moaning.

"Ah. Chris. ah, fuck."

It didn't take Roxanne more than a second to recognize Amber's voice. Her hand shivered and once again, her heart ached in disappointment.

Why Was Amber here? During such a family event, was Christopher so eager to fuck his mistress? What the hell did he think she is? Anger was burning in Roxanne's heart.

She should really call the others over to see how shameless the stepson of the Laurent family was.

At that moment Roxanne really wanted to do that, even if it would draw her ridicule at the same time. Just as she was about to move, she heard their talk.

"Are you still going to continue your plan, Chris boo?"

"Why not? I have put so much effort into Roxanne, it's time for her to repay me."

Repay? What gave him a face to say that? Hadn't she given his company enough support over the years? She even fought many times with her family for that.

"You aren't really in love with her, right?"

For some reason, Roxanne's heart lightly throbbed, but what she heard next totally shattered her heart.

"Love?" Christopher chuckled as if hearing a big joke. "Just dealing with her family is sick enough for me. If they weren't obstructing everything, all her property should have been under my name already."

"With that, I should have defeated Lance long ago."

"How nice it will be if her damn family could also die in some accidents like her parents. That way, Roxanne will just be my obedient puppet and you will be my only noble queen."

"Oh, you're so bad."

"Don't you just love the bad way I am?"

Amber giggled and their moans and grunts of pleasure restarted again. And Roxanne, who heard all their talk, was almost on her edge.

How dare he curse her family like that?! She thought he was at least the most person who know her pain of losing her parents. So it was all a lie, right?

How stupid she was to fall for such a hypocritical bastard! Seven whole years wasted. Roxanne thought as a quiet self-deprecating laugh left her lips.

Taking a deep breath, Roxanne was going to kick off the door but was stopped by a firm hand.

She turned around and saw Lance who was standing behind her with a smirk.

"So sunshine, do you want to join my plan?"

"Do you want to join my plan?"

His words were like a demonic whisper. Roxanne knew she should avoid him but she couldn't help being curious.

"Let me hear it first."

They had moved to the balcony at the end of the hallway, where the light was dark enough that no one would find them.

She crossed her arms, minding an appropriate distance from him. Unlike last night, she was sober tonight and she shouldn't make the same mistake again.

"So, what were you going to do just now?" Lance asked instead of answering. "Break down the door and yell at them? Then draw others' attention to give you justice?"

"It's none of your business." Being seen through by him, Roxanne was a little chagrined.

"This is still the mansion of the Laurent. Do you really think you can win by exposing them?" Lance reminded her, "Even if he's disgraced, Christopher is still the stepson of the Laurents."

"Maybe some people will sympathize with you, but no one would dare to ask a justice from the Laurents for you."

"So what do you mean? You led me there to that good show and now you want me to surrender?" Roxanne couldn't help but question him while clenching her dress.

She knew he was telling the truth. Her family was somewhat powerful but not enough to compete with the Laurents. And she had referred too many resources to Christopher. It was not the best time to tear up their engagement. But she just couldn't bear it, especially when Christopher cursed her family so viciously.

"I think your plan of last night is much more interesting." He implied meaningfully and Roxanne was more furious to realize that he had no intention to help her but to insult her.

"Last night is an accident. You are never part of my plan." She retorted disdainfully, and his face darkened to hear that.

Lance stepped forward and looked at her intensely. "Oh really? So why did you kiss me first?"

That scene flashed into her mind. With loud music around them at the bar, he rejected her at first but she refused to lose her hands holding his neck and kissed the knot of his throat boldly. Roxanne felt heat on her cheek again.

"I was drunk."

"But you called out my name."

"I said I was drunk." She argued and wanted to leave but Lance domineeringly held her waist to stop her.

"It is said that alcohol can stir up the most primal of one's desires." Lance leaned his head closer to her ear as he asked in a hushed tone, "We had a good time, didn't we?"

His breath sprayed between her neck, making her more sensitive. Not wanting to be influenced by him, Roxanne pushed him away.

"That's enough. If you're not serious about giving me any useful suggestions, I'd rather go now."

He caught her in his arms again before she could resist, "Did I say I wouldn't help you?"

"Then just say it." She put her hands between them as she met his gaze.

"Defeating a Laurent isn't easy unless you have another Laurent to be your back."

His words hit her. It was indeed a good choice but somehow she felt she had better not to mess up such a man who was too full of danger and mystery.

"So you mean an alliance with you? Do I have anything that you want?" She asked, mockingly.

"You."

The way he looked at her was so different that shocked her. For a moment, she didn't know whether she should be surprised or angry.

"If I remember correctly, you're engaged, Mr. Laurent." She reminded him coldly. She would not be fooled again.

"Weren't you also engaged when you slept with me last night?"

"That's not the same!" Roxanne argued as her face turned red.

"What's different? Do you dare to say you were not happier with me than with Christopher?"

"You lied to me yesterday. I would never pick you if I knew you're not single."

"I didn't!" Lance seemed to be annoyed as he held her more tightly. "I am also informed about the engagement just now. I didn't even know that woman."

"That's not what I should care. Let me go." Roxanne argued while struggling while Lance had no intention to let her go.

"Listen, Roxanne." He grabbed her chin forcefully."Never think to reject me especially after you slept with me."

"You bas..." Roxanne wanted to protest his dominance but his lips had fallen on hers.

A loud explosive and colorful bang of fireworks released behind them. At that moment, she felt his tongue penetrate her mouth once more and roam inside. When Lance hauled her up onto the thick railing of the balcony, another firework went off in the air.

Roxanne gasped and quickly glanced downstairs to make sure that no one had seen them. Fortunately, people seemed more fixated on the firework show than on whatever was happening in this corner.

"No way here, Lance." She pinched his arms and warned him when he stopped between their kisses.

"Don't you think this is the perfect place?" Lance stared her straight in her face, grinning like a demon. "Don't lie to yourself. When your useless fiancé is cheating on you nearby, don't you ever want to return him something same?"

It sounded so tempting that Roxanne forgot to reject it at that moment.

She moaned out when she felt Lance's finger caress her sensitive clit.

"Easy sunshine. It's just the beginning." Lance teased as he leaned in and kissed her neck, leaving a new mark on the same place.

Roxanne couldn't help but arch her back both the feeling of his fingers massaging her throbbing clit and the fiery feeling of his wet tongue against her skin. He knew too well how to awaken her body.

It was a combination that had slowly been making her lose all sense of reasoning and travel down the pleasure lane.

** ** ** **

By the grace of God, Roxanne made it on time when she rushed into her office the next morning.

She had no time to reprimand herself for making the same mistake as there was a huge project going on today.

"Oh, the bride-to-be, be glowing." Ella, her coworker teased as she stepped into the company, about to quietly slip into her office.

Roxanne forced a chuckle and a smile. "Knock it out, El."

"Why should I?" Ella asked as she picked up the files she had come for from Roxanne's desk and cradled them in her arms. "Everyone has been talking about it since the moment you stepped in. You're definitely glowing today."

Ella suddenly inched closer to Roxanne's table and asked. "A good night with Chris?"

"Minding your own business," Roxanne told her off with a serious look.

"Alright, if you don't want to share. No need to be so mean." Ella pouted as she stepped out of Roxanne's office.

Once she was alone, Roxanne sighed and pushed her white blonde hair backward and then her eyes landed on the picture on her table. A happy picture of her and Christopher when they had celebrated their second-year anniversary.

They were both smiling so happily at the camera that anyone would have pictured them as a perfect couple. not as they were now.

Shocking her head, she grabbed the picture and shoved it into one of her drawers. It's over. Now what she should focus on was to get all the things that belonged to her back.

BUZZ BUZZ

A new message popped out at that time. Even though she didn't save that number, she knew it was Lance.

「Sorry to bite you again, sunshine. Have a good day.」

Looking at his annoying message, her face scrunch up in distraught. God, why couldn't she be more determined and reject him last night?

It's not that easy to deal with Lance Laurent. Well, she should avoid him for a period first and then he would forget her just like other women.

She sighed as she deleted the message, and then her assistant knocked on the door and told her.

"Team manager, our new investor has arrived."

Roxanne nodded her head and walked towards the conference room after gathering the material in her hands.

'Pretty smile, Roxy.' She reminded herself as she took a deep breath and stepped into the conference room.

However, seconds later, her smile immediately froze as she spotted the familiar face sitting on the seat for their major investor.

The moment when his eyes met hers, Roxanne felt the heat of the hickey on her neck again.

Damn, why didn't anyone tell her that their new investor was Lance Laurent?