Chapter 16

Stella struggled desperately to free herself from Eric’s grip, panicking as she shouted, “What are you doing? Let go of me!” Eric ignored her, tightening his hold on her hand as he forcefully pulled her along. “Alpha Eric!” Anthony’s voice cut in as he stepped forward, blocking Eric’s path. Eric glared at the hand in front of him, a cold snort escaping his lips. “Move aside. Don’t forget, you’re just her boss. I’m her husband. Don’t overestimate yourself, Anthony.” Anthony hesitated, looking at Stella, who was frantically trying to break free from Eric’s hold. He bit his lip, then stepped aside, allowing them to pass. “Anthony?!” Stella’s eyes widened in shock as she saw him back away, momentarily frozen and forgetting to struggle as Eric dragged her along. As they passed him, Anthony couldn’t help but call out, “Don’t bully her.” Eric didn’t even turn around. “It’s none of your business. Focus on your own life.” Anthony watched as their figures disappeared, his head hanging low. His gaze fell on the crumpled tissue on the table—the one he had used to wipe Stella’s lips earlier. It was now wrinkled and torn. ... “Eric! Let go of me!” Stella kicked up a fuss, drawing the attention of everyone around. Eric could no longer tolerate her commotion. Without a second thought, he hoisted her over his shoulder and stormed out of the restaurant. Parking lot. Without giving her a chance to resist, Eric shoved her into the car. “Ugh…” Stella stiffened, her body tensing. Eric’s finger unexpectedly slid beneath her, gently probing in an intimate way. “So eager to leave me, throwing yourself into someone else’s arms?” Stella raised her hands to block him, but he quickly pinned them, tightening his grip. “I… I didn’t… ugh!” His hand slowly pushed deeper, inch by inch, spreading her open, sending waves of unwanted pleasure through her. He expertly stroked, his finger brushing over sensitive spots, drawing out an unbearable sensation that spread throughout her body. One finger was all it took to send the startled Stella into a shattering climax. Her body trembled as her juices soaked the leather seat beside her. “Only I can satisfy you, Stella,” Eric growled, his voice dripping with possession. Afterward, he fastened her seatbelt, locked the doors, and started the car, speeding off. He pushed the speedometer higher, as if trying to release all his pent-up frustration. The blurred landscape outside the window made Stella feel uneasy. She lowered her gaze, choosing silence. “Why aren’t you saying anything?” Eric’s voice finally broke the silence. Stella glanced at him from the corner of her eye. When she saw his expression had returned to calm, she spoke slowly, “Can you slow down…?” She didn’t ask where he was taking her. She simply trusted him. This man had protected her many times before. “You like him, don’t you?” Eric didn’t slow down. Instead, he changed the topic. Stella thought for a moment before gathering the courage to retort, “What does it matter if I like him? You can go find Ruby or any of your other women. It’s none of my business. I haven’t asked about it.” She turned her head to look out the window at the blurred scenery and buildings, not wanting to face his wrath—even though the motion made her dizzy. But after a long pause, there was still no response from him. Curious, Stella slowly turned her head to look at Eric. His face remained calm, but there was a subtle hint of pleasure. Pleasure? Was he happy because she mentioned Ruby? Stella felt a pang of disappointment. She quickly turned back, trying to shake the feeling off. Eric realized how childish he was being. He was actually enjoying the little bit of jealousy she had shown just now. She was jealous. He couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips. This was the first moment of calm between them in a long time. They weren’t arguing. They weren’t provoking each other. They weren’t like two hedgehogs, guarding themselves with sharp spikes and hurting one another. ... Pack. Thorne had been feeling restless and irritable lately. She had sent people to kidnap Stella, intending to sell her off, but Eric had disrupted her plan and bought Stella at an absurd price. For days, she had seethed, cursing Stella under her breath. Then, without an ounce of mercy, Eric had swiftly and ruthlessly dismantled Carlson's company, bankrupting them. The Carlson family was struggling under the weight of it all, with Carlson frantically trying to keep things together. Watching this unfold, Thorne felt a mix of pity and anger. Every day, she cursed Stella. Damn her! What an ungrateful wretch! Just like her mother—disgusting! Thorne had been so close to Eric. Yet, despite Eric being willing to offend his own father-in-law for her, he not only refused to help their family business, but also attacked Carlson’s company, driving it to the ground. Wasn’t that enough of a sign? Stella, that jinx. Thorne had thought that marrying her into Eric’s life would improve the family’s fortune, but instead, it had cost them everything. Talk of breaking the mark? It was all just a show between the couple. They clearly didn’t want Carlson’s company to succeed, didn’t want them to profit. Thorne wished she could kill them both. In her frustration, she even used her personal savings to hire a global assassin organization. She was confident that this time, Eric and Stella wouldn’t make it out alive. The thought made her smile to herself. "Are you in the mood to laugh? Now’s not the time to be admiring flowers." Carlson walked in, looking worn out from his long day. Seeing Thorne playing with the flowers in the vase, her face lit up with a smile, he couldn't help but snap at her. "Honey, you’re back!" Thorne replied, unbothered, her smile sweet. "Don’t be mad. Everything’s going to be fine. Let me cook for you. You sit down and rest." She hummed a cheerful tune as she walked off to the kitchen. Carlson was puzzled but still tolerant of his wife. He knew she had suffered alongside him, and together, they had made it this far. Bankruptcy didn’t mean much to him. As long as they were together, that’s all that mattered. Of course, when he thought of his family, Stella was not included. He sneered at the thought of that useless daughter, loosened his tie, and collapsed onto the couch, closing his eyes to rest. ... The night grew darker. Eric’s car sped along. Long hours of driving had worn him out, but he pressed on, determined to catch up to Stella before she could slip away. He was nearing the Silver Moon Pack’s residence. The Silver Moon Pack’s house wasn’t located in London, but in a quiet, picturesque small town on the outskirts. He had chosen this place because of her. From here, they could watch the sunrise. No need to climb a mountain; just step outside, and the sunrise would greet them. The sunlight would bathe the land, scattered in golden patches. He had imagined taking her here one day—to vacation, to travel, to retire. They could plant trees and, in the afternoons, sit in the shade, with her resting in his arms, reading. But now, everything had changed. Eric blinked, trying to hide the sadness in his eyes.