Chapter 4

Elena let out a cold snort and suddenly pushed me right in front of Stuart.

She covered her mouth, acting innocent.

"Don't you think Chloe looks exactly like me?"

"Alex is so funny. Even his rebound has to look like me… Anyone would think he’s still obsessed with me."

Alex’s pursuit of Elena years ago wasn't loud, but both families knew about it.

She was bringing this up to humiliate me and make me back off.

Even if she didn't want Alex, she wouldn't let another girl have him easily.

Stuart looked at my face, then at hers. His eyelashes fluttered as his deep voice echoed in the quiet room.

"They don't look alike. Chloe has much better class."

With just one sentence, Elena’s face turned bright red with embarrassment.

She stared at him in disbelief.

"Stuart… are you kidding me?"

He answered calmly, perfectly polite.

"Just an objective observation."

Elena didn't dare snap at Stuart, so she could only grit her teeth and stomp over to Alex to vent.

"Is Stuart blind? He actually said Chloe looks better than me!"

"You guys tell me! Who’s prettier?!"

The guys looked between us, their voices weak.

"Well, Chloe is a dance major. Her posture is really..."

Elena stomped her foot in anger. "You guys are all idiots!"

Under the table, I kicked Stuart's leg.

Was he trying to start a war for me?!

They started playing a game of Truth or Dare with cards. Alex looked at Stuart.

"It's just some simple party games. Want to join?"

Stuart kept his eyes half-closed, looking bored.

Then, he leaned slightly closer to me.

His hot breath brushed against my neck, his deep, raspy voice sending shivers down my spine.

"What about you, Chloe? Are you playing?"

He took off his glasses. His deep, dark eyes caught mine, reflecting my flushed face.

Under the table, his hand grabbed mine.

Stuart slowly rubbed his thumb against my palm, his skin burning hot.

I tried to pull my hand away, but he gripped it tighter, refusing to let go.

Suddenly, someone dropped a card and leaned down to pick it up.

Fearing we’d get caught, I yanked my hand back. My heart was pounding like crazy.

Stuart’s face remained completely stoic. He parted his lips slightly. "If you play, I'll play."

Fortunately, the lights in the booth were dim, so no one saw my burning red cheeks.

I blindly grabbed a glass of water to gulp down, but Stuart’s hand quickly clamped around my wrist.

"That's vodka."

He took the glass away and poured me a cup of orange juice himself.

"Drink this."

"Wow, why are you so attentive to her?" Elena asked, her voice laced with jealousy. "Anyone would think you have a crush on Chloe."

Stuart smiled but didn't answer.

Alex quickly cut in.

"What are you talking about? My brother has a girlfriend."

"He’s probably just looking out for Chloe because she's shy."

"Elena, don't talk nonsense."

Alex had easily convinced himself.

Yes, Stuart was famous for being a clean, cold businessman who never got involved with women. Having feelings for Chloe? Impossible.

At that moment, Stuart’s large hand suddenly rested on my thigh, smoothing down the hem of my skirt that had ridden up.

I looked up and met his dark, possessive eyes.

He stared at me silently, his eyes dark with desire.

My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly looked away.

The inner side of my thighs still ached slightly, and the love bites that were starting to fade felt like they were burning up again.

Alex had no idea that the "girlfriend" Stuart had was me.

Soon, the game turned in Elena's favor.

She had her friends look at everyone’s cards, easily figuring out who had what.

"I’m the King this round."

Her mocking eyes locked onto me, a cruel smile on her lips.

"I want Number 3 to slap Number 9 ten times. Hard. Consecutive slaps… if you pause, you start over."

Elena wasn't joking.

Instantly, everyone turned to look at me, waiting for the drama.

Alex had already bragged about having card Number 3.

And my fingers tightly gripped my card.

Number 9. Chloe.