Yancy Shaw felt his throat tighten, and he lowered himself to kiss her.

From her brows, her nose, her cheeks, to her lips—every inch of her drove him wild with desire.

Inside the steamy, mist-shrouded bathroom, the air was thick with intimate sounds and heavy breaths, both speaking of their deep affection for each other.

Under the light, their entwined silhouettes rose and fell together, casting a near-unified shadow upon the wall.

Lauren Shaw clung to him, her strength nearly spent as she endured his every passionate embrace.

After a whirlwind of passion, Yancy Shaw carried her—now thoroughly clean—back to bed. Every inch of her skin glowed with a soft, rosy sheen, making it all the more tempting to take another bite.

Noticing the marks he’d left on her neck, Yancy Shaw's lips curled up in satisfaction, resembling a wolf who’d just feasted.

Realizing the marks she bore, Lauren Shaw couldn't help but ball her delicate fist and land a playful punch on his chest, her voice soft and sulky: “It’s all your fault! I still have to go to Huadong for a show tomorrow. If anyone sees me like this, I’ll be the joke of the city!”

Yancy Shaw simply smiled and said nothing, letting Lauren Shaw fuss at him as much as she pleased.

Feeling even more indignant, Lauren Shaw bit his chin, holding on until Yancy Shaw let out a low groan, then flashed him a mischievous grin. "That’s your punishment."

A shadow flickered through Yancy Shaw’s eyes. With a quick turn, he pressed his hands on either side of her, his voice going low and husky. “Baby, you’re really playing with fire.”

Lauren Shaw’s heart skipped a beat. Playing with fire? What does that even mean?

A sly smile flashed across Yancy Shaw’s face. He slipped an arm around her waist, easily flipping her over and positioning her on his abdomen.

Lauren Shaw tensed up immediately. “You...”

"Baby, just one more round."

Lauren Shaw: "...."

.....

The next morning, the early spring sunlight crept in through the curtains, carried on a gentle breeze.

Still exhausted, Lauren Shaw stirred in bed, only opening her eyes after the alarm clock rang for the third time.

She was so, so tired.

Her phone rang on the nightstand, insistently trying to pull her from sleep.

She didn’t want to answer it, so she squeezed her eyes shut and tried to drift off again.

Hearing the persistent ringing, Yancy Shaw walked in from outside. Seeing it was Claire Xu calling, he picked up the phone.

"Miss Xu, Shengsheng fell asleep late last night. She’s not up yet."

"Slept late? Still not awake?" Claire Xu latched on to the key information and couldn’t help but chuckle, "Then please tell her when she wakes up to call me back."

"Is it something urgent?" Yancy Shaw asked.

"Didn’t Shengsheng say she’s going to a show in Huadong today? I’m headed there too—we made plans last night."

"Alright, I’ll let her know as soon as she wakes up."

After hanging up, Claire Xu felt something was off. Yancy Shaw was just so polite and distant. They’d known each other so long, yet he still called her Miss Xu. So cold!

Once Yancy Shaw ended the call, the person on the bed finally opened her eyes, gazing at him with silent reproach.

He set down the phone, leaned over to her, and asked in a gentle, doting tone, "Shengsheng, you’re awake?"

Hmph! That rotten man had worn her out all night, trying all kinds of positions—no wonder she felt drained and sore all over. She was furious!

With a dissatisfied grunt, she turned her back on him, refusing to acknowledge his presence.

Yancy Shaw rubbed his nose, inwardly regretting his lack of self-control the night before. Now she was angry.

He softened his voice, earnestly coaxing her, “Baby, I’m sorry. Next time, I promise I won’t tire you out like that again.”

Next time? In your dreams!

Lauren Shaw pulled the covers tightly around herself, turning into a snug little bundle, silently demanding he keep his distance.

Seeing she wouldn’t talk to him, Yancy Shaw changed the subject, "Claire Xu just called for you."

Lauren Shaw remained silent, eyes closed, determined to keep ignoring this infuriating man.

Sensing the bed dip beside her, Lauren Shaw’s eyes snapped open. Seeing his handsome face so close, she reflexively shrank back. "What... what are you doing crawling up here?"

"You’re ignoring me." His voice was so aggrieved it sounded like he was the one being bullied.

With a resigned sigh, Lauren Shaw tried to get up, but the arm around her waist only tightened, trapping her against his chest.

She glared at him. "Let me go."

"No." Yancy Shaw was being deliberately stubborn, leaving her at a loss.

"I have to get up. Didn’t you just say Claire Xu called? I made plans to go to Huadong with her today."

"Then stop ignoring me." His gaze was mischievous and full of focus. Thinking of last night, Lauren Shaw couldn’t resist biting his shoulder—hard.

Yancy Shaw didn’t say a word and let her bite, but she couldn’t bring herself to actually hurt him.

Feeling her anger fade, Yancy Shaw finally got up and lifted her out of bed.

"What are you doing now?"

"Carrying you to brush your teeth."

By the time Lauren Shaw realized what was happening, he’d already squeezed toothpaste onto her brush.

His eagerness to please her was written all over his face.

Seeing him like this, all her anger dissipated.

Overwhelmed by his gentle pampering, she took the toothbrush and pushed Yancy Shaw out, "I can do it myself."

After washing up, Lauren Shaw changed her clothes, picking a high-necked top on purpose to hide the marks on her neck.

With her makeup carefully done for a refreshed look—after all, a night of indulgence is taxing—she was finally ready.

Knowing she was going to Huadong for a show, Yancy Shaw had deliberately left so many marks on her neck. How could she not be annoyed?

She shot a glare at Yancy Shaw. As upset as she was, she couldn’t really bring herself to stay mad at him.

"Don’t you have work today?"

"No rush. I’ll go after I drop you at the airport." His wife was traveling for work; how could he not worry?

Sensing his anxiety, she walked over and hugged his waist, trying to reassure him. "Yuan Ran’s coming with me this time, remember? Relax. Nothing’s going to happen."

With people eyeing the Shen Group hungrily, Yancy Shaw worried there might be trouble. But since he couldn't travel with her this time, unease gnawed at him.

He lowered his head and planted a kiss on her forehead. "Alright."

His Shengsheng deserved to soar, not be trapped beneath his wings. He had to let her fly higher.

10 a.m.

Yancy Shaw took her to the airport, where Claire Xu was already waiting.

In the terminal, Claire Xu watched Yancy Shaw's retreating figure, then turned to Lauren Shaw with a wicked grin, "So... you two didn’t sleep at all last night, did you?"

Huh? Was it that obvious?

Lauren Shaw touched her own face self-consciously. "Do I really look that exhausted?"

Claire Xu grinned knowingly—a seasoned pro could tell right away.

Embarrassed and annoyed, Lauren Shaw reached over and tickled Claire Xu’s waist, instantly stopping her giggles.

"If you keep laughing, I’ll tickle you until you can’t breathe!"

"Alright, alright, I surrender!" Claire Xu hurriedly begged for mercy, not daring to tease her anymore.