"Khai, congratulations, you're a father."

Felipe was just about to offer his congratulations when Khai Howell shot him a cold glare.

"Are you sure these test results are accurate?" Khai was incredulous. He hadn't even been intimate with her; how could she have had his child?

"Sir, the hospital conducting the tests belongs to one of your private enterprises, and I oversaw the entire process—from the handling of blood samples to their analysis—with trusted personnel. There's no chance of any mistakes."

The results were undoubtedly correct.

The intimidating aura surrounding Khai instantly cooled as he spoke slowly, "You really think I could do something like this given my condition?"

"Sir, I would have considered it impossible before. However, yesterday in the conference room, when that woman touched you, there was no allergic reaction from your body. It suggests she might be unique in your life."

There was also the possibility that the woman somehow obtained Khai's genetic material and underwent artificial insemination to have their child. But Felipe hadn't dared to share this theory with Khai, given Khai's unapproachability, akin to a snow-capped mountain, which deterred socialites from approaching.

Over time, many in the company had gossiped about Felipe being the object of envy.

Their insinuations weren't subtle.

To prevent misunderstandings about being seen as unavailable, he felt it was crucial to provide insight into Khai's romantic life. So, his current plan was to subtly encourage Khai to engage more with the woman who had his child.

Felipe's internal calculations were almost palpable.

In front of him, Khai crumpled the report tightly in his hands. "Where's the child?"

"I've already sent someone to bring the young master from the hotel. Since he belongs to the Howell family, it's inappropriate for him to remain elsewhere for long. How about..."

Khai interrupted coldly, "Do you like him that much? Then let him stay at your place."

"No, no!" Felipe broke into a nervous sweat, "I just meant that a child separated from his mother for the first time might already be scared and anxious. Keeping him in a hotel could lead to issues."

Khai considered this briefly, "Send him to The Haven."

The Haven was Khai's luxurious mansion in New York, vast and secure as a fortress. Sending the child there would at least ensure his safety.

Felipe eagerly agreed, "Yes, sir."

"And her?"

Her? Who was he referring to?

Felipe didn’t immediately grasp Khai's meaning but eventually nodded, "Do you mean the young lady? Her identity remains unknown, but yesterday, we found some janitor uniforms discarded in a hidden corner of the parking garage. By retracing her steps, we believe the young lady disguised herself as a cleaner to infiltrate the conference room. Following her movements, and by tracking all the vehicles during that period, we've identified a taxi and pinpointed her location."

"Where is she?" Khai's voice was low and smoldering with anger.

His tone was like shards of ancient ice, sending a chill through Felipe, "At the Starry Night Bar."

"She leaves my child with me and immediately goes to a bar?!"

"Sir, there might be some misunderstanding here." Felipe quickly defended the future Mrs. Howell.

"Hmph, misunderstanding? She's clearly courting trouble!" With a flick of his right hand, Khai sent the test report fluttering to the floor. "Get the car ready!"

Felipe had never seen Khai this furious before. He clutched his racing heart, nodding repeatedly.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, the Starry Night Bar was hosting a Valentine's Day event.

Most attendees were young professionals looking for a night of fun. Anticipating this, the bar owner introduced a bold and exciting game.

The rules were simple: Teams of six could form groups, and the first person in each group had to pass a slip of paper from mouth to mouth. The team completing this in the shortest time would win a cash prize of $12,000.

If the slip was dropped, the team would lose.

Maeve Riley, ready to finish her shift and head to another job, hurried off the noisy dance floor when a fellow waitress tapped her shoulder.

Turning, she saw her colleague, "Maeve, want to join? The winning team splits $12,000, that's $2,000 each."

Two thousand dollars was a significant amount for Maeve at the moment.

But—

"People who play these games aren't usually serious. There's no assurance they won't 'accidentally' drop the slip and actually kiss you."

"Oh, you're worried about that? No worries, if we're at the back, we won't get kissed. Maeve, you know how much my grandmother needs this money. Please, please," her colleague pleaded, eyes watery.

Maeve fluttered her eyelashes, knowing she needed the money too. Her colleague made a good point; strategic positioning could avoid unwanted contact.

"Alright," she agreed, finally.

When Maeve appeared at the event, several men from other groups eyed her hungrily.

This woman, with her striking beauty, exuded an innocence that made her irresistibly attractive when poised.

Few could blend purity with allure as seamlessly as she could.

Ignoring the speculative looks, Maeve silently took the fifth position in her team.

Her colleague was in the fourth spot, and in the sixth was a tall, unassuming man in a white T-shirt.

As the mechanical timer counted down, the competition began. Five teams participated, with at least three barely making an effort, opting instead to flirt openly.

Within the first minute, some men deliberately dropped their slips, using the opportunity to kiss the women beside them freely.

The scene was scandalous. But Maeve’s focus tonight was solely on the prize money.

She swiftly took the slip from her colleague's mouth, who managed a quick breath to encourage her.

Maeve gave her a determined nod before turning to pass the slip to the man behind her in the white T-shirt.

Her anxious eyes met a pair of deep, captivating eyes.

Khai Howell? How could it be him?

Khai was caught off-guard by the sight of her natural, makeup-free face. But seeing her in a form-fitting black dress, participating in a kissing game, his sharp eyes narrowed.

He accused, "You left the child with me just to come here and play games?"

With one sentence, he judged her entirely.

In her shock, Maeve’s mind could only form one fleeting thought...

Run!

Don't just stand there! Are you waiting to be caught by him?!

The shouts behind her were like a chilling breeze, momentarily quelling the panic and frustration bubbling within her.

“Maeve, the prize is $12,000! Hurry, kiss him, kiss him!”

As Khai Howell made his entrance, the lively atmosphere inexplicably quieted. It was rare to see someone so remarkable; he stood at least 6'2" with impeccable style, and his strikingly handsome face was the epitome of perfection.

All eyes, full of admiration, locked onto him.

Maeve Riley, standing at the heart of the storm, was nearly dying of embarrassment. She wanted to flee immediately, but with Khai right in front of her, it was clear the room was packed with his entourage.

With no way out, she might as well earn the money!

The paper between her lips muffled her speech as others hurriedly passed it around, and they were about to lose.

Maeve's adrenaline spiked, and without much thought, she wrapped an arm around Khai's neck and pressed her lips against him.

But he was too tall—she couldn't quite reach his irresistibly sensual lips.

Having come this far, giving up wasn't her style. Anyway, with paper in between, it felt like nothing more than a peck on the cheek.

Even if she was the one initiating it.

Her left hand climbed up his shoulder to his neck, and she leaped, wrapping her long legs tightly around him.

From holding the paper strip between her lips for so long, her face was flushed red. His breathtakingly handsome face was now inches away, a sight that enchanted countless women.

The sudden proximity took Maeve's breath away. Yet, a burning desire to win made her furrow her brows and push forward.

An unexpected twist!

The paper slipped from her lips, and the warm, soft sensation on her lips sent her mind buzzing, eliciting an embarrassed little gasp.

“Sorry... sorry, it was an accident!” Maeve swore she had never felt so mortified.

“An accident? You slapped me yesterday and now forced a kiss—just an accident?”

“If not, what else could it be? If you weren't here, I wouldn't have accidentally kissed you. Look, your assistant terrified that guy.”

Her soft fingers innocently pointed to the man in the white t-shirt cornered by a few bodyguards.

Khai's intense gaze stayed locked on her face.

This woman had forced a kiss on him and seemed unwilling to take responsibility.

Since when had he ever endured such humiliation?

“You're saying that if he were here, you’d have kissed him too if the paper fell?”

“What does that have to do with you?” she retorted sharply, raising her brows. Whom she played games with or kissed was her business, not his.

“You bore my child. Do you think your personal affairs are none of my concern?” he insisted.

They remained in the same position, with Khai supporting her, while Maeve, now holding a slightly higher vantage, felt a cheeky surge of confidence.

“Please, Uncle, just because I had your child doesn't mean you get to control me. It's one thing if you touch me, but dictating whom I kiss? Why not just call yourself my father?”

Khai's hands inexplicably warmed as he held her.

The sensation stirred embarrassing thoughts within him.

He trembled slightly as he released her, unable to comprehend why he had willingly held her in such close quarters for so long.

Even more surprised was Felipe Lewis, who was busy clearing the crowd when he saw Khai kissing someone.

Whenever Khai had contact with women, his eyes would redden, becoming violent, obsessive, and extremely dangerous.

But before Felipe's actions could take effect, he realized Khai had both kissed and embraced her without his usual reaction.

Why?!

Why indeed?!

With furrowed brows, Felipe struggled to grasp the situation.

On the dance floor, as soon as Khai set Maeve down, she wanted to collect her $2,000 prize but discovered, to her dismay, that since her paper fell at the last moment, the score was invalid.

Missing out on the easy $2,000, she shot Khai a disdainful look.

This man was truly a jinx.

“Uncle, you already have our son, and I'm not asking for any child support from you. So, can you move aside? I have another gig tonight!”

Maeve's eyes darted to her phone’s clock. She had only about 40 minutes before she’d be late for her next job, which was at least a 30-minute ride away, so she had to leave immediately.

Despite her dismissive and disdainful demeanor, Khai felt a dark cloud cast over his mood.

“What kind of lowlife are you rushing off to meet now?”

“None of your business!”

Maeve was never one to accept orders easily. As she spoke, she confidently headed for the exit. But after two steps, a firm hand seized her left arm.

“You secretly had my child, and I haven't held you accountable. Now you dare flirt with other men in front of me. Are you asking for trouble?”

“Are you out of your mind? Flirting? We had a one-night stand. I didn’t even complain about your unremarkable skills and short stint, yet you have the nerve to act all high and mighty!”

Maeve's words were a spontaneous concoction. After repeating lies, they became second nature and flowed effortlessly.

In Khai’s memories, there was no recollection of any intimate encounter with her.

However, the evidence was undeniable—the child was biologically linked to him. And the woman before him was the only person in the world he could touch without triggering a reaction.

So, was it possible they did have a moment together that he somehow selectively forgot?

He wasn't someone to shirk responsibility. On the contrary, he was meticulous and highly possessive.

Even if this woman lacked the qualities he preferred, he couldn't tolerate anyone he had been with having unnecessary ties to other men.

Also, what did she just say? Criticizing his skills and performance duration?!

A wave of irritation rose from Khai's chest. With a sudden, firm grip, he dragged Maeve into a private room.

Bam.

Maeve found herself cornered by Khai in the room, his hand on the wall, blocking her escape.

An intensely dangerous air filled the silent space.

"You better say that again outside!"

"Hey, don't beat yourself up, man. Your skills are still lousy, and you're as forgetful as ever. But let’s be real, you're almost 30. Men peak around 30, but it's also normal to start slipping a little."

The man's expression darkened considerably. This woman spoke like a seasoned critic, casually evaluating his abilities. He wanted to argue back, but his memory came up empty—he'd never been with a woman before, so he had no proof to counter her claims. He gritted his teeth and corrected her, "Woman, I'm 29. Is it appropriate to call me 'old man' every time you speak?"

His appearance was undeniably striking. Among the stars at a Hollywood gala, he'd stand out as one of the most handsome. At 29, he exuded a confident maturity, making him an ideal match for women seeking romance. And he was Khai Howell, a powerhouse in the business world. Just his name alone commanded immense respect.

"But I'm only 22! There's a seven-year gap between us! So, really, calling you 'old man' is just being generous," Maeve Riley quipped.

Khai's grip tightened ever so slightly, "You're 22? And you had that child three years ago, which means you gave birth at 19, so you were with me at 18..."

Maeve initially wanted to conceal her age, but she knew that if Khai had come looking for her, he had already done his homework. She could bluff about a child, but her birthdate was set in stone. She laughed coolly and, under Khai's scrutiny, spun her tale, "Yes, yes. Maybe I was just too attractive back then, and you couldn't help yourself."

Khai scrutinized her calm demeanor, showing no signs of deception. He growled, "You better not be lying to me!"

"I swear, not a single lie. If I’m lying, may lightning strike me," she swore.

—Of course, technically, she wasn’t lying, because it was all made up. Maeve maintained her innocent and charming facade. Khai seemed to accept it, leaning against the wall and releasing her arm. He stood tall, casting a shadow over her, eyes gleaming with intensity as he asked, "Your name."

Maeve was taken aback. He had come all this way and still didn’t know her name? "My name is none of your..." The word 'business' was interrupted as his commanding presence silenced her defiance. "Maeve Riley," she finally conceded.

"Maeve Riley," he repeated, her name rolling off his tongue with a deep, melodic resonance that made her ears grow warm. "Still in school?"

"Yes," she replied. "I've been juggling work and studies all these years just to provide for your child. Look at these hands, worn and weary."

She hoped to stir his guilt, to wipe the smugness from his face so he would leave her alone. But to her surprise, Khai lifted her hand, examining it closely. Though he'd never touched another woman's hand, Maeve's was soft and smooth, addictively so. Suppressing his feelings, he spoke slowly, "Understood."

Wait, what did he mean by that? It sounded like he was signing a contract!

"Now that you understand, you should..." she began, secretly praying he'd vanish from her life. But before she could finish, Khai cut her off with unexpected words.

"I'll take responsibility," he declared.

No! This was not what she wanted!

Is he out of his mind?

Maeve jerked her hand back as if burned and took a breath to steady herself. "No, I don't need you to take responsibility. We live in different worlds. My focus isn't on this; I have my own dreams, my ambitions, my future. Once I leave the child with you, I'll focus on myself. So if you feel any guilt, treat Eli well. As for me, just consider me gone. Well then, old man, goodbye forever," she said, waving her hand dismissively before turning to leave.

Initially, Khai had questioned her intentions in seeking him out, but after tonight, he realized Maeve had no hidden motives. Instead, there was a deliberate distance about her. Her attitude only increased his curiosity, prompting him to delve deeper into her life to discover the truth. He was particularly interested in why every other woman triggered his old symptoms, yet she, even in close proximity, did not.

His dark, enigmatic gaze lingered on Maeve, filled with intrigue.

Maeve opened the door, eager to escape this complicated mess, only to be blocked by a woman radiating hostility.

"Maeve Riley, you're really here!" Aliza George stood with a cadre of henchmen, all clad in black and looking stern.

Maeve had expected this confrontation, knowing Aliza would soon face the consequences of her own actions. Aliza's eyes were bloodshot, glaring at Maeve with intense fury.

Maeve elegantly tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Khai's words today had bolstered her confidence—he already believed Eli was his son. With Eli secured, Maeve had no other concerns.

She lifted her chin defiantly, "Oh, here to beg for forgiveness?"

"Beg? You trash, you're finished, and you're still so arrogant!"

"Please, let’s not act. Compared to you, dear Miss Aliza, with your rotten heart and dubious reputation, don’t pretend you’re pure," Maeve replied, her words heavy with implication.

As expected, Aliza's face flushed with rage. Her hand shot up, ready to strike Maeve, "I'm not pure? And you're any better? Broke with a gambling father and a kid; how do you even manage? Oh right, you probably turned down the older man I set up for you, opting for another. Does the one you found have better skills or more money? Pathetic!"

Maeve, determined not to stoop to Aliza's level, snapped at the mention of Eli. In a flash, she delivered a swift kick, causing Aliza to crash to the ground.

"Ah!!" Aliza's scream echoed.

"What are you standing there for? Get her! Anyone who brings her down tonight gets a hundred grand in cash!"