Yana Quinn never expected herself to get stuck in this kind of mental dead-end.

Taking a deep breath, she said, "Miss Li, I think you’re being quite rude. All of that is in the past now. Neither Yu Che nor I care about those petty things anymore, and we’re not the kind to dwell on them."

"Oh, and what’s that got to do with me?"

Lauren Shaw raised an eyebrow, clearly indifferent.

"There’s nothing between Yvonne Sung and me anymore. Did you really come find me today because you’re worried I’ll try to steal a man like that from you?"

Yana Quinn let out a mocking laugh. "I just hope you mean what you say."

No sooner had she finished than Lauren Shaw leaned in and murmured by her ear, "If you like drinking from the gutter, what can I possibly say about it?"

By the time Yana Quinn had realized what that jab meant, Lauren Shaw was already gone, driving off.

She didn’t want to waste another minute with her. Right now, her top priority was figuring out who stole her design draft.

Whether Yvonne Sung was dead or alive had nothing to do with her anymore, not even a little bit.

She’d even forgotten to mention to Yana Quinn that she was already married. Not that it really mattered. Still, Yana Quinn probably thought she was after the same man.

What a joke.

As for the stolen design draft, she had a strong suspicion of who it was. If things played out as she expected, she’d soon have proof.

By the time she got home, night had already fallen.

The moment she opened the door, the rich aroma of food drifted over—her Mr. Shen was busy in the kitchen again, cooking up something delicious just for her.

Her gloom instantly brightened, as if a ray of warmth had pierced straight into her chest.

She leaned against the doorframe, quietly watching the man in the apron at the stove. He wore light gray loungewear, sleeves carelessly rolled up, his tousled bangs falling loosely across his forehead, lending him a gentler aura.

He turned around to look at her, flashing a smile. "Go wash your hands and get ready to eat."

Pulled from her reverie, Lauren Shaw murmured an "okay" and went to wash up.

At the dining table, he ladled out a bowl of soup. The soft white glow of the lamp reflected in his eyes, shifting and glimmering, making it impossible for her to look away.

It was strange—he was wearing the most casual clothes, yet she still couldn’t help her heart from fluttering.

"What are you thinking about?" Yancy Shaw set the bowl of soup before her, the corners of his eyes lit with laughter.

Lauren Shaw realized she’d been staring too intently. Clearing her throat, she looked away.

"Is something on your mind?" Yancy Shaw could read her like an open book.

She took a sip of soup, gaze lowered, and nodded slightly.

He was always so sensitive—reading her mood was second nature to him.

"Someone stole my design draft. The director now suspects me of plagiarism."

Her voice was calm, as if she were talking about someone else entirely.

Yancy Shaw slowly picked up some food and put it in her bowl. "Do you know who did it?"

"I have someone in mind, but I just can’t figure out her motive."

She knew who it was, but the reason behind it still escaped her.

"Eat first. Let it go for now." Yancy Shaw patted her hand, urging her to relax.

Lauren Shaw wasn’t upset about the plagiarism accusation; what stung was that the thief was someone close, someone she spent every day with. It was hard to believe.

Late that night.

After Yancy Shaw finished washing up, he slid into bed and pulled Lauren Shaw into his arms. His warm hand traced slow patterns along her waist.

"Still thinking about the design draft?" he murmured against her neck, sending shivers down her spine.

Lauren Shaw nodded lightly. "I just can’t figure out why she’d do something like that."

"When we go to the hospital tomorrow, you’ll find out. For now, try not to think about it." With that, he took her earlobe gently between his lips.

Unable to hold back a soft moan, Lauren Shaw felt his hand rove across her waist. She pressed his hand down, whining like a kitten, "What are you doing?"

"Don’t you want me?" His voice was husky, his eyes filled with desire.

Lauren Shaw wasn’t clueless—she just feigned innocence.

"I have no idea what you mean. I’m going to sleep." With affected dignity, she turned over, only to find herself firmly held in place, unable to escape.

Yancy Shaw rolled on top of her, bracing himself on either side. His gaze was naked and intense, as if he wanted to strip her bare, body and soul.

"I want you. I crave your body."

Lauren Shaw couldn’t help but laugh at how shamelessly direct he was.

"Dr. Shen, have you lost all your decency?"

Ever since Lauren Shaw first broached the subject of married life, Yancy Shaw’s restraint seemed to vanish. A gentleman by day, he let his true self run wild at night.

Clearly, all that upright reserve of his had just been an act. He was never the abstinent, disciplined kind.

He took her hand and guided it downward. "Don’t you like it too?"

Biting her lip, Lauren Shaw’s eyes fluttered. "I do like it, but I really can’t handle it!"

Heaven knew just how long he could torment her in a single night—forget the emotional toll, her body couldn’t take it either.

"Last time you made it hurt. You are anything but gentle."

"Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Let me check for you."

"No!"

"Be good, let your husband take a look."

⋯

The next morning.

Lauren Shaw woke in Yancy Shaw’s arms, his handsome face right before hers.

After checking her over last night, he’d just settled in and held her close all night long.

Even though he was a doctor, and they were husband and wife, she still felt embarrassed by the memory.

After they both washed up, Yancy Shaw brought her with him to the hospital.

Outside a patient’s room, Lauren Shaw saw Sisi, who she hadn’t seen in a few days.

Sisi’s reaction was obvious—she froze when she saw Lauren Shaw.

"Sienna Shaw*…are you not feeling well?" (*‘Sienna Shaw’ means ‘Big Sister Sheng,’ a respectful and affectionate form of address.)

Sisi tried her best to mask her guilt, forcing herself to appear calm.

Lauren Shaw simply regarded her, unruffled. "Didn’t you say you went back home? How come you’re here?"

"I…I…"

"Sisi, I want some water." A voice called from inside. Sisi replied, "Coming!"

"Go ahead," Lauren Shaw said, waiting outside.

Sisi went in, tended to the patient, then came back out, hovering uncertainly.

"Let’s talk somewhere else," Lauren Shaw said, glancing at the patient inside—perhaps not wanting to disturb them.

Up on the hospital rooftop, Lauren Shaw stayed silent, staring into the distance, waiting.

Sisi bowed her head, remorse heavy in her voice. "Sienna Shaw, I’m sorry. However you want to handle this, I’ll accept it, but please don’t tell my dad."

"Why did you do it?"

Lauren Shaw didn’t lash out or question her harshly—she simply wanted to hear her reason. Maybe being with Yancy Shaw had steadied her emotions over time.