Watching her scramble out of the study in a fluster, Shen Yanchens lips curled into a smile. But as soon as he turned back to the computer, his expression snapped right back to cold and frosty.

Everyone who had just been moaning about their single status was instantly cowed by his icy glare.

Lauren Shaw sat on the living room sofa for a long while, cheeks burning as she replayed her recent moment of ultimate embarrassment.

She took a few deep breaths, forcing herself to calm down. 'Come on, who goes through life without making a fool of themselves?' she thought. 'Take it easy, next time won’t be so mortifying—they’ll get used to it... eventually.'

Determined to distract herself, she pulled out her tablet and started scrolling through videos, trying desperately to banish that cringeworthy memory.

Suddenly, she remembered something: the gift box Claire Xu had given her some time ago. She’d been too busy lately and totally forgot to even take a look. Fetching it from the wardrobe, she placed it on the bed.

The packaging was eye-catching: a pink box wrapped in silk ribbon, topped off with an elaborate bow.

Remembering how mysterious Claire Xu had looked that day—insisting she open it together with Yancy Shaw—Lauren Shaw couldn’t help but wonder what could possibly require both of them to open it?

But with Yancy Shaw busy, she decided to take a peek by herself first.

Back in the study, the meeting had just ended. Yancy Shaw glanced over at the warm milk Lauren Shaw had brought in earlier, took a few sips, then loosened his tie, fatigued lines gathering on his brow.

Opening the study door, he noticed the living room was empty. The light was on in the bedroom—it seemed she must be washing up. He pushed the door open and went in.

Inside, Lauren Shaw looked every inch someone caught red-handed doing something sneaky.

At the sound of the door, she hurriedly slammed the lid on the box, obviously flustered.

Seeing her like this, Yancy Shaw came over and gently felt her forehead. 'Why are you so flushed? Are you not feeling well?'

'N-no... I’m fine,' Lauren Shaw stammered.

He ruffled her hair, speaking in a gentle voice. 'I need to make a trip to Hong Kong City tomorrow. I’ll be away for a few days. If anything comes up, call this number.'

He handed her a card. She saw the string of numbers, neatly written in his firm handwriting.

Taking the card, Lauren Shaw hesitated, obviously reluctant. 'I’ve packed your luggage for you... How long will you be gone?'

'Three days, give or take.'

He looked just as reluctant as she did. Having to go on a business trip was the last thing he wanted—he hated leaving her behind, and wished he could bring her along.

But Lauren Shaw hadn’t forgotten the hot potato still in her hands.

Head down, she hurried to put the lid back on the gift box, ready to shove it back into the closet. That Claire Xu was such a mischief-maker! To give her something so... blush-inducing.

Yancy Shaw noticed the box she was clutching and asked, 'What’s that?'

She shifted awkwardly, 'Oh, nothing. Just some useless thing.'

'Useless?' He eyed her suspiciously; she wasn’t usually this evasive. Something was definitely off tonight.

All Lauren Shaw wanted was to hide this embarrassing box out of sight, but Yancy Shaw reached out and pinned her hands, stopping her.

'Let me see.'

'No, no, you can’t!' Lauren Shaw shook her head, adamant.

Her refusal only piqued his curiosity further. He gently but firmly intercepted her, taking the box from her grasp.

'Hey—don’t look...' But it was too late. Yancy Shaw had already opened the lid, and the moment he saw what was inside, the air in the room seemed to freeze.

Lauren Shaw wished the floor would just open up and swallow her whole.

'Um, that’s... It’s not mine—it’s really not, I didn’t buy it...' she fumbled desperately for words.

A shocked Yancy Shaw quickly changed from taken aback to something much more intense.

Inside were two extremely skimpy lace lingerie sets, plus a few playful 'toys'—courtesy of Claire Xu, no doubt, in case she ever felt lonely. Truly, what a considerate friend...

Lauren Shaw suddenly felt like picking up the phone and calling Claire Xu, just to thank her for the endless embarrassment.

Yancy Shaw held up the pink lace set, letting it dangle from his finger in front of her. He looked up, his gaze smoldering, and coaxed, 'Sheng Sheng, try it on for me?'

Lauren Shaw: '...'

Could she say no? No—she absolutely did not have the right to refuse.

'Can I...not?' she mumbled meekly.

Drawing closer, Yancy Shaw lowered his voice, 'So, did Madam buy these little toys to play with herself while I’m away?'

Lauren Shaw’s face couldn’t possibly get any redder. She honestly wanted to disappear into thin air.

'If I say…they’re not mine, will you believe me?'

Raising his brows, Yancy Shaw grinned, 'If it’s from Madam’s lips, I’ll believe anything—even a white lie.'

Lauren Shaw was mortified, feeling her cheeks flame anew as he twirled that tiny slip of lace on his finger.

'Why did I have to open that damned box tonight?' she wondered, wishing she could turn back time even a day.

'If Madam refuses, then let your husband help you change…'

'No, I-I’ll do it myself!' she said, grabbing the tiny pink underwear and darting into the bathroom.

Changed at last, Lauren Shaw lingered behind the door, too shy to step outside. Looking in the mirror, she saw how the pink lace just barely covered her essentials, leaving much to the imagination—her heart pounded at the thought.

Eventually emerging, she found Yancy Shaw’s eyes darken in an instant, desire plain in his gaze. She felt all the blood rush to her head.

When he said nothing, Lauren Shaw’s embarrassment peaked. She dove under the blanket, bundling herself tight.

With a quick move, Yancy Shaw whisked the covers away and gently but firmly pulled her onto his lap.

'Sheng Sheng, you’re gorgeous like this.'

Lost in the moment, he groaned softly.

Moving with him, Lauren Shaw felt herself bloom like a rose in full flower...

The room was soon filled with the sounds of their longing, entangled and intimate...

…

The next morning, Lauren Shaw woke to find herself alone—he’d already left for Hong Kong City as planned.

She lay there, body feeling limp and boneless after last night’s ordeal.

Not long after she woke, her phone rang—Yancy Shaw calling.

His magnetic voice came through, 'Are you up yet?'

She answered lazily, turning on speakerphone, 'Mm, just woke.'

Hearing her voice, Yancy Shaw smiled, 'If you’re tired, sleep a bit longer. I’ve asked Auntie to make you breakfast—you can eat whenever you get up. There’s warm water by your bedside…'

Listening to his string of reminders, Lauren Shaw just muttered, 'Okay.'

She was still a little annoyed—after all, last night he’d been relentless.

'Are you mad at me?' he asked tentatively.

'What do you think?' Lauren Shaw shot back, exasperated.

Yancy Shaw tried every trick in the book to coax her, sounding utterly apologetic. His assistant Chris Cooper, hearing this, couldn’t help but snicker nearby.

Word of Yancy Shaw’s sweet, doting ways had already spread through the company—the smile he’d worn at last night’s meeting had nearly become a legendary in-office meme.

To see him now, talking so tenderly, it was clear: Lauren Shaw had him wrapped tightly around her little finger.