After a sleepless night, Damien’s eyes were deeply sunken, and his complexion appeared somewhat pale. To avoid disturbing Elena’s peaceful slumber, he slowly got up, gently closed the bedroom door behind him, and headed towards the walk-in closet to change out of his sleepwear. However, as he reached the stairway corner, he unexpectedly encountered Vispera, a woman he had only met once before. As he stepped aside to give way, he accidentally knocked into the glass of water in Vispera’s hand, causing some of it to spill onto her nightgown.

Her already semi-transparent white nightgown became even more revealing as the water seeped into the fabric, making it cling provocatively to her figure, assaulting Damien’s senses.

Vispera immediately apologized upon seeing the accident. “I’m sorry, sir, some water splashed onto your face. Let me wipe it off for you.” She promptly placed both hands on Damien’s cheeks, her soft fingers gently brushing away what seemed to be nonexistent water droplets.

The proximity between them was too close—so close that Damien could clearly see the fine beads of sweat along her collarbone, the milky smoothness of her skin, and the delicate, cat-like fingers teasing his face. The unique, alluring fragrance of this mature woman filled his nostrils. A sudden heat surged from his lower abdomen, his heartbeat quickening uncontrollably. The thumping in his chest made his breathing grow heavier.

Why am I having such thoughts about another woman? No! I love Elena! I belong only to her!

In an instant, Damien snapped back to reality. He abruptly grabbed her wrist, his voice stern, “What are you doing?”

Vispera quickly withdrew her hands and took a small step back, her face carrying an apologetic expression. “I’m sorry, Mr. Damien. I just wanted to help wipe off the water.”

Damien wiped his cheek with his own hand. “That won’t be necessary. I can do it myself.” He continued down the stairs but suddenly stopped in thought, glancing back at Vispera.

“Miss Vispera, please dress appropriately when you’re at home in the future.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Hearing her response, Damien turned and left without another word.

Vispera lowered her gaze to the hand that had just touched Damien’s face. The corners of her lips curled into a subtle smile.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

“Damien, welcome to the game.”

Felix had been painting for three hours now.

Kneeling on one knee beside him, Vispera leaned forward and pointed at a picture in his drawing book, her voice gentle. “Sweetheart, do you see this tree? Be bold—paint the colors you see directly onto the canvas.”

Felix nodded but, after a while, turned around and asked in a soft, childish voice, “Miss Vispera, can I take a break before continuing?”

“Felix, are you tired?” Vispera noticed him gently rotating his wrist, seemingly trying to ease some slight discomfort. She glanced out the window—it was already evening. Drawing for such a long time was indeed a challenge for a child.

“Felix, your mother wants you to excel in painting. You wouldn’t want to disappoint her, would you?”

Children couldn’t hide their emotions. He looked slightly aggrieved as he expressed his true feelings. “But I really don’t like painting.”

Well, there was no point in arguing with a child. After all, he was innocent in all of this.

Vispera gently placed a hand on Felix’s forehead, soothing him. “Finish today’s practice, and I’ll let you play computer games later, okay?”

Hearing that, Felix’s little face brightened immediately. The tears that had welled up in his eyes vanished in an instant, replaced by an excited smile.

“Okay!”

Elena’s luxury car slowly pulled into the villa. The wheels rolled over the fine gravel, producing a soft crunching sound.

Upon stepping through the door, she reached up to remove her exquisite white wide-brimmed hat, casually handing it to a waiting maid. The delicate feathers on the hat quivered slightly, as if whispering tales of the grandeur from the gathering she had just attended.

She lazily sank into the sofa, crossing her legs casually. Picking up a glass of red wine from the coffee table, she swirled it gently, watching the liquid ripple in the glass, releasing its intoxicating aroma. Taking a small sip, she allowed a contented smile to grace her lips.

Realizing she hadn’t checked in on her son for a while, she asked nonchalantly, “How has Felix been lately?”

The maid standing beside her respectfully replied, “Young Master Felix has been learning to paint with Miss Vispera all day.”

“Hmm, I’ll go see how his practice is coming along.”

With that, she set down the wine glass and rose gracefully to her feet. Another maid stepped forward at just the right moment to drape a red fur shawl over her shoulders.

Elena strolled through the long corridor and arrived at her son’s room—only to be met with an infuriating sight.

Felix was seated at his computer desk, his eyes fixated on the colorful game displayed on the screen. His small hand rapidly moved the mouse, clicking back and forth with enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, the tutor she had hired—Vispera—was seated beside him in a chair, legs crossed, leisurely flipping through a fashion magazine.

Fury surged through Elena.

She strode forward, yanking the headphones off Felix’s head and throwing them forcefully to the ground. They shattered into pieces with a loud “smash—”

Without hesitation, her right hand swung across Vispera’s face, landing a heavy slap on her left cheek.