Her voice was sharp, but nobody paid her any attention. She stood and slapped the thick glass in front of her, but it was useless. All she could do was watch helplessly as Xue Wenchang was dragged away.

Xue Wenchang had already lost his mind, and with his body in such poor condition, it was anyone’s guess how much longer he would last.

Yancy Shaw, now that his greatest enemy had been punished, didn’t feel quite the joy he’d imagined.

Lauren Shaw walked over and sat beside him, resting her head against his chest.

He had just stepped out of the shower, a crisp, clean scent of body wash lingering on his skin. Inhaling his fragrance, she asked gently, "Honey, did you know all along that the Snow family was behind Grandpa’s murder?"

Thinking back to that time Sean Snow invited him out drinking—with that troubled look on his face—she finally understood why.

Perhaps he had struggled a lot before, torn between hatred and the years of brotherhood.

Yancy Shaw pulled her tightly into his embrace. "Not exactly. I only suspected them before; I never had any proof."

It wasn’t until Qian Peng confessed in person that everything was confirmed.

Lauren Shaw straightened, coming out of his arms. "So in the end, this case was cracked thanks to Officer Lu’s help, right?"

Indeed, Lu Chaoran had played an instrumental role in solving this case.

Back then, Lu Chaoran was fresh out of the police academy, and his very first case had been Elder Shen’s murder.

After Qian Sheng’s death, the case faded into obscurity, and as a rookie cop, Lu Chaoran hadn’t had much of a say in things.

"Old Master Xue has passed, Xue Wenchang’s in prison, and the Snow family’s taken a huge blow. Who knows what Mandy Snow and the others will do next," said Yancy Shaw.

Lauren Shaw knew Mandy Snow all too well—she wasn’t the type to sit around and wait for disaster. And there was also Eva Snow to consider.

"Second Brother is hitting the Snow family's businesses hard right now. After everything they’ve done over the years, it’s time they paid a little interest back."

Yancy Shaw had heard about Xue Wenchang losing his mind. Compared to the death penalty, he felt this would make him suffer even more.

Lauren Shaw could sense that his mood was no longer as tense as it had been in days past. She snuggled closer in his arms. "The Snow family did too many terrible things. What’s happened now… they brought it all on themselves."

All these years, Yancy Shaw had lived with self-blame—blaming himself for not saving his grandfather, for letting his death weigh on his conscience. Now, at last, that stifling cloud was beginning to lift.

Lauren Shaw leaned quietly against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat, feeling his body temperature slowly rise. Even through their pajamas, every nuance was clear.

On the TV, a variety show was airing. When it moved to the punishment segment, the guys had to do thirty one-arm pushups.

Lauren Shaw couldn’t help but look up at him. "How many could you do?"

"More than thirty," he answered matter-of-factly.

Lauren Shaw didn’t believe him. "Really? I don’t buy it."

One-armed pushups—and thirty at that! He didn’t even work out often; she doubted he could pull it off.

"So you’re underestimating me?" Yancy Shaw fixed his eyes on her intently, the light casting a soft glow on his handsome features, making it impossible to look away.

Lauren Shaw shook her head vigorously. "No, no, it’s not that! I just think this game really doesn’t suit you."

Hmm? That was a blatant tease.

Lauren Shaw’s eyes were glued to the TV. Since it was a comedy show, she burst out laughing from time to time.

Yancy Shaw’s face darkened especially as the show featured several fit men struggling through pushups—barely making it past a dozen before losing steam.

Lauren Shaw watched with rapt attention, entirely forgetting the man beside her.

Growing jealous, Yancy Shaw pinched her chin and turned her head. "Do you not believe in your husband’s strength?"

Seeing her so absorbed in other men, he couldn’t help but feel annoyed.

Lauren Shaw didn’t catch his meaning, her eyes still flitting between him and the TV. She answered absentmindedly, "I believe you... I do."

She just really wanted to watch the show. It was hilarious! "See? I told you, they’d never make it to thirty..."

Suddenly, the TV screen went black. Lauren Shaw blinked in confusion, then turned to see his darkened, brooding face.

"Babe, whatever they can do, so can I."

Lauren Shaw: "..."

"I don’t like watching you get so engrossed in other men."

Ah... so someone was getting jealous.

"Then show me."

As soon as she said it, a sly smile appeared on Yancy Shaw’s face.

"I’ll do something even harder than that."

"Oh yeah? Like what?"

Yancy Shaw tugged Lauren Shaw down, laying her flat on the plush carpet. Bracing himself above her on one arm, his eyes flashed with mischief. "Like this."

He leaned down until their bodies touched, the tip of his nose brushing softly along her cheek—a light, teasing caress.

There’s no way this was just pushups. It was clear he was seducing her.

His robe hung loosely, exposing his chest. When he lowered himself closer, she could feel every firm line—especially a certain part pressing up confidently against her. At this point, how could she even say no?

He knocked out thirty in a row. Just as she thought he’d do even more, he stopped, his arms bracing on either side, breath coming in rough gasps, sweat dotting his brow. His dark eyes locked onto hers, brimming with longing, enveloping her completely.

"Why... why did you stop?" Lauren Shaw stammered, suddenly a little flustered by his gaze. She wriggled, wanting to get up, but he only held her tighter.

He buried his lips in the curve of her neck, his voice husky, each breath warm on her skin. "Babe, I want you..."

Lauren Shaw blushed and playfully protested, "You’re terrible..."

Yancy Shaw had no intention of letting her go. In a single movement, he rolled her on top of him, hands guiding her by the waist. Somewhere along the way, his pajama bottoms had vanished entirely...

Before Lauren Shaw could say another word, his hands roamed freely. He had learned every weak spot on her body, and with practiced ease, he kindled her desire again and again...

Warm light spilled across the room. Their shadows intertwined, like notes dancing on piano keys, harmonizing together in a symphony of love.

Lauren Shaw held him tight, her nails leaving faint lines on his back, soft cries like a kitten escaping her lips—only making him want her more...

...

The storm had passed. The situation with Li Guangliang was finally cleared up, and he was released without charges.

Those gossip accounts that once smeared Li Qiuchi’s name had all published formal apologies.

Yet for all that, Li Qiuchi hadn’t suffered much from public opinion during it all.

And of course, they owed a big thank you to Yancy Shaw.

That evening, Bryce Shaw happened to be free, and called to invite Yancy Shaw out for dinner.

That night, Lauren Shaw and Yancy Shaw arrived at the restaurant.

There weren’t many diners—perhaps because of Li Qiuchi’s special status, Bryce Shaw had specifically chosen a quiet, family-style Chinese place.