Victoria responded by biting down on Leon's finger with all her strength. It was as if she wanted to vent all her anger onto him.

Leon winced in pain but didn't release her. 

Instead, he gently cupped her face with his palm. His tone was still soft and affectionate. "When did you learn to bite like that?"

Victoria bit down harder.

Leon tightened his grip on her face, forcing her to release her bite. "Do you believe I'll bite you back too?"

Leon pinched her chin. His voice was low and seductive. "And then make you beg me to stop?"

"Let go!" Victoria struggled. Her eyes were red with frustration.

The more she resisted, the more Leon wanted to break her, to watch her cry and beg for mercy. He loved seeing her defiance turn into submission.

He pulled her closer, pressing her waist against his body. Victoria started to struggle again. 

He whispered in a low voice, "If you keep moving

Leon glanced down at his fingertips, which still carried the lingering sensation of Victoria's touch. "Have you made up your mind?"

Victoria was as stubborn as ever, and when she didn't respond, it seemed to him that she had silently agreed.

Leon stood up. His movements were fluid and composed. Despite what had just happened between them, he carried himself like the gentleman he always was.

"While Jonridge isn't lacking for wealthy people, I guarantee that no one but me would dare lend you the money." He adjusted the sleeves of his shirt, and his tone was cool.

"Not even your best friend, Susie."

Victoria's heart skipped a beat. "What are you planning to do?" she asked, suddenly on edge.

"I'm not planning to do anything," Leon replied calmly. He took slow steps toward her. "But if you try borrowing from her, that's a different matter."

Victoria clenched her fists at her sides. She

Victoria rushed to the hospital as quickly as she could. Her hands were cold when she answered the call.

She rushed into Leslie's office. Her voice was shaky as she asked, "Dr. Zane, how is my mother?"

"The situation has stabilized for now, but she needs surgery," Leslie replied.

He handed her a report and explained further, "The risk of the surgery is high. If successful, your mother should wake up in one to two months. If it fails, she might need to live on a ventilator for the rest of her life."

Victoria's hand instinctively tightened. Her heart was racing with worry.

Leslie paused before adding, "But if the surgery isn't performed, she won't survive this month."

"Do it," Victoria said without hesitation. There was determination in her voice.

"Please do everything you can to save her. I don't care about the cost."

Leslie hesitated for a moment. 

He was aware of the strained relationship between Victoria and Leon, and he had also heard the rumors. The cost was likely astronomical for her.

"You'll need to prepare at least 50 thousand dollars for the surgery." 

Seeing the worry in her eyes, Leslie continued, "If the situation worsens, the cost could increase."

Victoria froze for a moment. She was shocked by the amount. 50 thousand dollars was an enormous sum for her.

"Okay." She agreed under immense pressure, knowing that no matter what, Laura had to be saved. 

"I'll gather the money as soon as possible. Please take care of my mother's surgery."

"Sign this consent form first," Leslie handed her the consent form, explaining the situation clearly. "This way, if any emergency arises, I can proceed with the surgery immediately."

Victoria took the form and signed it without hesitation, but when she reached for the pen, her hand trembled uncontrollably.

Leslie noticed this, and after a moment of thought, he offered a suggestion. "If you're really struggling to gather the money, you might want to talk to Mr. Quigley. Legally, you're still married, and he probably won't ignore this."

Victoria didn't reply.

Leon had prevented her from working. There was no way he would offer any financial help now.

He probably wanted her life to be miserable after their separation.

Once she signed the form, she planned to go see Laura. But as she turned, she saw Leon standing outside the door.

He stood tall and straight while exuding an air of aristocracy. As he walked in, his expression was distant and indifferent. After glancing at her, he approached Leslie to inquire about the situation.

After Leslie finished explaining, Leon asked about the cost.

Leslie answered truthfully. Upon hearing the amount of 50 thousand dollars, Leon turned his gaze to Victoria. 

His voice was commanding. It was not a question but an order. "Come with me."

Victoria stood silently in place. She refused to move.

Leon reached out, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her into the adjacent room.

"Do you regret it?" He sat down, watching her with an air of authority.

Victoria knew he was referring to the question he had asked her a few days ago. She bit her lip and remained stubborn as ever. "No, I don't regret it."

Leon felt she needed to be taught a lesson. He reached out, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her into his embrace.

As she instinctively tried to stand up when seated on his lap, he forcefully pressed her back down and trapped her in his arms.

"You should know I prefer those who are obedient," Leon said. He caressed her waist and stroked her smooth skin.

Victoria struggled to get up but found herself completely restrained in his arms. She was unable to move.

"If you apologize and beg me properly, I might consider letting go of what happened before," Leon murmured. His thumb traced her lips. It sent a shiver down her spine.

"I'll also take care of your mother's treatment and bear the costs."

Victoria responded by biting down on Leon's finger with all her strength. It was as if she wanted to vent all her anger onto him.

Leon winced in pain but didn't release her. 

Instead, he gently cupped her face with his palm. His tone was still soft and affectionate. "When did you learn to bite like that?"

Victoria bit down harder.

Leon tightened his grip on her face, forcing her to release her bite. "Do you believe I'll bite you back too?"

Leon pinched her chin. His voice was low and seductive. "And then make you beg me to stop?"

"Let go!" Victoria struggled. Her eyes were red with frustration.

The more she resisted, the more Leon wanted to break her, to watch her cry and beg for mercy. He loved seeing her defiance turn into submission.

He pulled her closer, pressing her waist against his body. Victoria started to struggle again. 

He whispered in a low voice, "If you keep moving, I won't hesitate to do something here."

Victoria froze. She felt the heat of his body and the cha

Chapter 20