Chapter 2 Running Away After Sleeping

The phone vibrated again.

[Accepted]

She could feel his commanding tone even through the screen.

Matilda stared at the screen, her mind in chaos.

Given Thomas's position, adding her—his wife in name only—as a friend seemed reasonable enough. After all, he was back now, and he had to keep up appearances.

If he knew it was her, there was no escaping him.

She took a deep breath and accepted the friend request.

She stared at that pure black profile picture as the screen went dark, then lit up, then dark again.

Finally, a message popped up.

[Thomas: Divorce. Name your terms.]

Matilda froze for several seconds.

They'd been married for three years. He'd run away from the wedding for three years. Their only connection was last night's one-night stand, and now he comes back wanting a divorce?

Matilda didn't know whether to feel happy or sad.

But one thing was certain—he didn't know yet that she was the woman from last night.

Matilda gripped her phone tightly, staring at those words for a long time.

In the end, she didn't reply.

She couldn't divorce now—she hadn't gotten the Beaufort family's things or his money yet.

She had to wait at least seven days to confirm whether she was pregnant.

If she wasn't, divorcing rashly would leave her without even the leverage to negotiate with the Beaufort family.

That evening, Matilda took a hot shower and lay in bed. Somehow, she couldn't stop her mind from replaying his body heat, his breathing, and his racing heartbeat when he pressed down on her.

She felt wet between her legs.

She buried her head under the covers in frustration.

This was crazy.

At the same time, in the penthouse suite of Imperial Lounge.

Thomas leaned back on the sofa with his collar open, looking relaxed. His long fingers held a cigarette. The king-size bed was a complete mess, evidence of their earlier frenzy.

His phone sat on the coffee table, screen lit up, but no message from the woman came through.

A cold smile curved his lips.

He knew exactly what kind of person Sawyer was. Years ago, she'd begged the Stuart family to honor the marriage arrangement, clearly after the Stuart family's power and influence. What kind of daughter could such a person raise?

Not replying—was she trying to string him along? Or did she want more money?

After all, the title of Mrs. Stuart was worth more than a one-time payment.

Just then, his assistant Brent Harrison pushed the door open, holding a tablet.

"Mr. Stuart, we found what you were looking for."

Thomas took a drag on his cigarette. "Go ahead."

Brent handed over the tablet. The screen showed clear surveillance footage.

In the video, a woman in a server's uniform sneaked into the private room. Though she deliberately kept her head down to avoid the cameras, one frame before she entered the door captured her full face.

Fair skin, clear eyes—even in an ordinary uniform, her curves were unmistakable.

Thomas narrowed his dark eyes, a dangerous glint flashing through them.

"The surveillance only caught this one clear shot of her face," Brent said. "Should we continue investigating her identity?"

"No need."

Thomas stubbed out his cigarette and stretched his long legs casually, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"Since she took the initiative to seduce me, she'll probably show up again."

Brent nodded, then suddenly remembered the woman they'd found tonight. "The woman who spread rumors about you having an illegitimate child with her abroad—we found her earlier and dealt with her according to your instructions. She won't bother you again."

"Good."

Thomas stood up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the city's glittering lights.

He chuckled softly, though his eyes held no warmth.

Dared to drug him, then run after sleeping with him?

He wanted to see what this woman was really up to.

Three days later, at Blue Hour.

Matilda was dragged out for drinks by her best friend Jessica Grayson.

"You're really just going to take this?" Jessica fumed. "Those bloodsuckers from the Beaufort family are using your mom's belongings to blackmail you into having a child for the Stuart family? They've gone too far!"

Matilda took a gulp of alcohol and smiled bitterly. "What else can I do? They have my mom's things."

"Are you really planning to have Thomas's child? I heard he's ruthless—killed people when he was abroad, and since coming back he's been even more arrogant. Nobody who crosses him ends well." Jessica lowered her voice. "Be careful!"

Matilda's mind drifted back to that night.

She shook her head, trying to shake out those messy images.

"I'm just asking him for a favor. After I have the baby, I'll take the money and leave."

After a few drinks, Matilda felt tipsy and got up to use the restroom.

The hallway lighting was dim. She walked forward with one hand on the wall. At the corner, she caught a glimpse of a tall figure talking to someone.

Tall and straight, black shirt, gray dress pants, with an air of natural nobility and danger.

It was Thomas!

Matilda sobered up instantly.

Just then, Thomas seemed to sense something and slowly looked over.

Their eyes met.

Matilda's heart seized. Almost instinctively, she turned around, her heartbeat pounding like a drum.

No way, what a coincidence!

At least the lights were off that night—he shouldn't have recognized her.

Matilda steadied herself, but still felt uneasy. She pulled out her phone and messaged Jessica:

[Something urgent came up, leaving first. Get home safe on your own.]

After sending the message, she hurried through the hallway, practically fleeing the bar as if a monster were chasing her.

The night breeze brought a hint of coolness.

Matilda rushed out of the club and raised her hand to hail a taxi.

Just then, a black Maybach glided silently over and stopped smoothly beside her.

The next second, the car door opened. The man stepped out with his long legs, and before Matilda could react, a large hand grabbed her wrist and threw her into the car.

Matilda fell onto the leather seat. Just as she tried to get up, the man leaned over her and the car door closed.

"Why are you running?"

In the cramped space, his masculine scent enveloped her completely.

Thomas gripped her chin, his expression somewhere between a smile and something else, his low voice carrying a dangerous edge.

"You were bold enough that night, weren't you?"

All the blood in Matilda's body turned ice cold in an instant.

He'd recognized her!