I froze for a moment, completely at a loss for words. This man was insane.

Shaking my head, I instinctively rejected him outright.

"Please don’t joke with me."

Steve didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he leaned in slowly, closing the distance between us. His gaze was piercing as his fingers brushed against my arm, stopping at my wrist and gently caressing it.

"I’m not that free to be joking around," he murmured in a low voice, his breath warm against my ear. His lips curved into a faint smile.

"After all, marrying me would only benefit you. Not only would it silence your family, but I could also help keep your father’s company afloat. So, Ruby, what do you think? Care to consider it?"

The warmth of his breath and the tingling sensation that followed made me close my eyes and turn my head away. My heart raced uncontrollably at that moment.

"No, it’s not appropriate," I stammered, unable to meet his gaze. My head hung low as I waved my hands dismissively.

Noticing my reaction, Steve loosened his grip on my wrist and leaned back into his seat.

"Your fiancé brought his mistress home, and yet you still choose to endure it quietly," he said. His tone was calm but carried a sharp edge. "Seems like you really are a pushover."

I fell silent at his words. They were harsh, but every word was true. Even James himself had once told Lisa that I’d never fight back.

At that moment, a whirlwind of emotions surged within me.

Why was James allowed to betray me over and over, while I was expected to endure it in silence? Why could he do whatever he wanted, yet I was the one who had to hold back?

Clenching my teeth, I turned back to meet Steve’s gaze. Without giving it much thought, I reached out, grabbed his tie, and pulled him closer.

A light, fleeting kiss landed on his cheek.

"You’re the real pushover.”

Steve froze for a second, then cupped my jaw with his hand, tilting my face up as he leaned in to kiss me.

My hands pressed against his chest, but his kiss was forceful and intense, as if he wanted to pull me entirely into himself.

After a long moment, he finally released me, though his breath was ragged, and his voice came out hoarse.

"Let’s take this somewhere else."

In the bathroom, he pressed me firmly against the mirror. His shirt was gone, discarded entirely, and the heat radiating from his body seeped into my every nerve.

My back was flush against his firm, muscular chest, leaving no space between us. His breath lingered against my neck, sending a wave of warmth over my skin.

Blushing deeply, I tried to avert my gaze, but Steve grasped my chin and guided it back, forcing me to look at my reflection.

His cool lips brushed against my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

"Since you’ve agreed, there’s no turning back now," he murmured in a low voice.

He toyed with my disheveled hair with one hand while the other held my waist firmly, pinning me in place.

In the mirror, our entwined bodies reflected back at me, and my self-control had completely shattered.

Unconsciously, I called out softly, "Sir… gentle, please."

In response, he lightly nibbled on my earlobe as if in punishment, his voice hoarse and commanding.

"Say my name."

"St… Steve."

The next morning, when I woke up, Steve was already gone, without a single word left behind.

The events of last night remained vivid in my mind. Thinking back now, it all felt absurdly ridiculous.

We were both adults, and I knew better than to believe Steve would ever get involved with his nephew’s ex-fiancée. His flirting was likely nothing more than a whim.

Pushing the discomfort aside, I forced myself out of bed.

My phone displayed dozens of missed calls from James. Without a flicker of emotion, I blocked his number.

After quickly tidying up, I grabbed my suitcase and opened the door.

However, what greeted me was James’ dark, stormy expression.

Before I could react, he shoved me aside and barged into the room.

"Are you out of your mind?"

Rubbing my aching shoulder, I barely had a moment to recover before James stormed back, grabbing me by the collar.

His bloodshot eyes burned with fury as he growled, "Where is he?"

"Who?" I asked, confused.

"Don’t play dumb! My friend saw you come here with another man!"

I froze for a second before realizing what had happened. No wonder he’d called me so many times—he’d found out I came here with someone else and was furious.

Seeing his livid expression, I felt a wave of satisfaction. The thought of making him even angrier sparked a rebellious urge.

"James, do I need to remind you? We’re over. Who I sleep with is none of your business."

The words had barely left my mouth when a stinging slap struck my face.

I stumbled, falling to the ground as James’ furious voice roared in my ears.

"So, you really cheated on me! Who is the man? Tell me!"

The burning pain on my left cheek stung fiercely. Seeing the curious and judgmental glances of people passing by, a wave of anger rose in my chest.

Just as I tried to get up, a shadow moved past me.

In the next moment, James let out a pained cry and collapsed to the ground.

Startled, I looked up to see Steve standing in front of me.

Hadn’t he left? Did I misunderstand him?

A rush of complex emotions swirled within me, but the strongest was gratitude.

James, now looking disheveled, scrambled to his feet. He was about to lash out again but froze the moment he saw Steve’s face.

Instantly deflated, like a balloon losing air, he stammered with a look of grievance, "Uncle, why did you hit me?"

Steve snorted coldly, his expression blank.

"You’ve disgraced the Cook family, causing a scene like this in public. Aren’t you ashamed?"

James’ face turned red with embarrassment. He glared at me furiously, then pointed at me as he began to whine to Steve.

"Uncle, you don’t understand! This woman had the audacity to cheat on me! She stayed in this hotel with her lover last night! I caught her red-handed! Damn it, when I find him, I’ll make sure he pays!"

After his rant, James reached out to grab me again, but before he could, a strong arm shoved him aside.

Dumbfounded, James stared as Steve pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly by the waist.

"Oh?" Steve’s voice was cold, his words deliberate. "I’m the so-called lover you’re talking about. So, tell me, what are you going to do to me?"