Chapter 149
Chapter 149
Quinn breathed a sigh of relief, giving Leo a hearty pat on the shoulder. “That’s more like it!”
Leo instantly went quiet; he just felt weird about it. ‘Why do I feel so awkward?’ he thought to himself.
Especially when he had to act soft in front of a woman–yeah, that was just not his thing. ‘Man, this is so not me, Leo grumbled inwardly.
Meanwhile, in the next private room, the food was already on the table.
Yolanda listened to the soothing sound of water trickling over rocks outside, and she felt a wave of calm wash over her.
“All of these dishes were created by master chefs. Do they match your taste?” Ian asked with interest.
Ian tried a few bites and gave a nod.
They took their time eating, and after about forty minutes, Fan suddenly got up and locked the private room door behind them.
Yolanda arched an eyebrow when she noticed Ian had sampled some of the custom mix–the tipsy look in his eyes didn’t escape her.
She’d already shed her hat and mask, leaning back comfortably in her chair, just about to ask Ian what he thought he was doing.
“Ian, we’re still eating in public, you know,” Yolanda warned, her tone half amused, half serious.
“I know, but the drinks here just aren’t my thing. Can’t I have my own taste?” Ian shot back with a sly grin.
‘I seriously want to smack this guy, Yolanda thought to herself.
She idly twirled her wine glass between her fingers, saying nothing.
The tablecloth had an old–world elegance, flowing down to the floor–it reminded Yolanda of that day at the villa.
By the time it was over, her cheeks were flushed, burning with embarrassment.
Ian sat back down across from her, gazing at her with unabashed satisfaction in his eyes.
Yolanda tipped her glass back, finishing the drink in one go before pushing back her chair. “Bathroom break,” she announced, trying to sound casual.
Her cheeks felt like they were on fire–she had to step out and cool down, fast.
Ian’s teasing voice followed her from behind. “Ms. Grant, that look on your face is my favorite.”
Yolanda blinked, honestly having no idea what he was talking about.
7.44
Chapter 149
It wasn’t until she reached the hallway restroom and caught her own reflection—eyes bright, cheeka tinged with a bashful warmth that she finally got it. So that’s what he meant… she realized, a little flustered.
She washed her face, the emerald earrings making her look even more regal–but in her reflection, there was a hint of fox–like charm in her eyes, as if she’d been bewitched by some flirtatious vixen
Turning to leave, she stepped out into the hallway–and ran right into Quin
Cooper and Leo.
Quinn Cooper’s eyes lit up as he grinned, “Yolanda, out for dinner tonight? All on your own?”
Yolanda had ditched her mask and hat, face fully out in the open.
She just nodded, hoping to quietly slip past them.
But Leo reached out and caught her hand, stopping her cold.
Yolanda furrowed her brows, giving him a pointed look. “What is it now? You trying to get chewed out again?”
Leo’s gaze landed on Yolanda’s flushed cheeks. He was ready to let loose with a snarky comeback, but saw Quinn was watching and kept it in.
He shot Yolanda a glare, frustration bubbling inside. ‘Damn Yolanda, damn that pampered pretty boy–why can’t the two of them just get lost already?‘ Leo brooded.
Quinn shot both Yolanda and Leo a look, eyes narrowed in mock seriousness. “Hey Leo, hands off. Seriously.”
Leo let go of her like he’d just touched hot coal, chest rising and falling in irritation before he stomped off down the hall.
Yolanda whispered, “Is he crazy or something?”
Quinn’s eyes landed on her cheeks, unable to hide his amusement at how flustered she looked.
“Yolanda, you’re seriously way too good–looking for your own good! Next time, try bringing Charles with you -otherwise, with that cute face, someone’s bound to mess with you. Don’t mind Leo, he’s been acting weird lately. Maybe he’s just hitting a rough patch or something,” Quinn joked, trying to lighten the mood.
Leo, who hadn’t gotten far, overheard them and shot back, “You’re the crazy one–hell, your whole damn family is nuts!”
Quinn chuckled as he pulled out a cigarette. They’d been planning to hit the smoking lounge anyway.
“Yolanda, Leo’s picking up the tab tonight—kind of his way of saying sorry. Your wrist’s alright, isn’t it?” Quinn asked, sounding genuinely concerned.
Quinn’s always been one of the few in this circle who treated Yolanda with real respect.
There were still a couple of red marks on Yolanda’s wrist from where Leo had grabbed her.
With her fair, almost porcelain skin, even the slightest pressure left a mark.
9:24 Thu, Oct 2
Chapter 149
“I’m fine.” she replied, brushing it off.
民国
Leo stormed back over, full of attitude. “Come on, I didn’t squeeze you that hard! What, are you made of dough or something? Seriously, quit acting so soft.”
Yolanda just snorted, refusing to dignify him with a reply, and coolly walked off.
Leo was feeling all sorts of annoyed inside, like something was just stuck in his chest.
Once Yolanda had left, Quinn bumped Leo’s shoulder and said, “Man, do you have to go all rough on Yolanda every single time? She never does anything to piss you off! She’s always so well–behaved, and yet you just love giving her a hard time. Seriously, you gotta stop being so petty.”
“Obedient? Ha!” Leo shot back, full of sarcasm.
Leo let out a dramatic, mocking laugh, dying to air out every dirty little secret Yolanda was hiding.
Sometimes, it felt like he was the only one who could see through her act–the only one in the world with a peek behind her mask.
‘She’s so infuriating, seriously,‘ he fumed to himself.
He stared after Yolanda’s back, that restless frustration bubbling up in his chest, refusing to go away.
Quinn gave Leo a playful shove, cigarette in hand. “Come on, if Charles ever finds out you keep messing with his wife, he’s gonna flip out.”
Obviously, Quinn was just messing around–Charles would never get pissed at his bro just because of a girl.
*****
Yolanda came back into the private room to find Ian hanging out by the fish tank, watching the brightly colored fish dart around as he tossed in some fish food.
When he spotted her, he handed her the container with a crooked smile. “Here, wanna give it a try? These little guys are pretty hilarious.”
She was just about to take it when Ian caught sight of the marks on her wrist. His face fell instantly. “What happened here?”
“Just ran into someone who totally lost it over nothing,” Yolanda replied, her tone nonchalant.
As soon as she finished, Ian let out a chuckle and leaned against her shoulder, the amusement clear in his
eyes.
“What’s so funny?” Yolanda asked, genuinely puzzled.
“Wow, this is honestly the first time I’ve heard you talk trash about someone,” Ian said, his grin getting even
wider.
Yolanda froze for a moment, realizing he was right. The Grant Family had always drilled into her to be
9:24 Inu, Uct 2
Chapter 149
gracious, keep her manners, and never badmouth anyone.
Yolanda sprinkled some more fish food into the tank, a playful smirk on her lips. “Alright, let’s head out. Mr. Maine just messaged–looks like Starlight’s got us swamped”
“How about we head to my place?” lan suggested, his voice low and teasing.
He leaned in closer, resting his chin on her shoulder.
Yolanda didn’t push him away.
Once she stepped out of the room, Yolanda was quick to put her hat and mask back on, purposely heading for the stairs–no way was she running into Leo again if she could help it.
But just as she was about to head out through the lobby, Yolanda spotted Charles and Edward Sinclair coming in with their crew.
She instinctively shrank back, slipping behind a decorative screen to avoid being seen.
Charles didn’t notice her, took out a little white vitamin bottle, and popped a pill.
Edward caught sight of the bottle and smiled with concern, “Charles, are you sick or something?”
“Just some vitamins Yolanda got me,” Charles said casually, walking inside.
“You know, she’s totally crazy about me,” he added with a laid–back smirk.
Edward’s eyes narrowed, a sly edge to his glance. ‘Getting Yolanda to do the dirty work–looks like I picked the right person for the job.
Even if Charles didn’t care much for Yolanda, he’d never embarrass her in public, not with Samuel in the picture.
A ruthless glint flashed in Edward’s eyes–now it was just a matter of time before the stuff kicked in.
After all, Yolanda was the one who handed over the bottle. When things went south, he’d just toss her to the wolves and let her take the blame.
Yolanda heard Charles’s words, her brows drawing together in suspicion. ‘I handed him the bottle, and now he’s switched it for vitamins? What is he up to?‘
‘Why would he say that with Edward standing right there? Is he trying to make Edward act sooner?‘ Yolanda wondered, her mind sharp and restless.
‘Wow, he’s got layers–way more scheming than I realized,‘ Yolanda couldn’t help but think.
Chapter 150
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
Part 1: The Discovery of BetrayalYolanda Grant’s marriage was built on patience, sacrifice, and quiet endurance — but that illusion shattered in one night. It was late when she arrived at a dark, empty alley after receiving a mysterious message with an address. At first, she thought it was a misunderstanding. After all, her husband Charles Sinclair — a man of wealth, power, and refined taste — would never lower himself to something so vulgar. But when she saw him holding a young woman in his arms, kissing and touching her like a man possessed, every ounce of denial drained from her. Charles, the proud and disciplined businessman, was cheating — and in a filthy alleyway, no less.Part 2: The Scene of HumiliationFrom the safety of her car, Yolanda watched as the scene unfolded. The woman clinging to Charles was frail, trembling, and emotional, like a flower blooming in the mud. The surroundings — the stained floor, damp walls, and suffocating darkness — mocked everything Charles had always claimed to be. This wasn’t just infidelity; it was degradation. Yolanda’s mind swirled with disbelief. Her husband, who obsessed over class and perfection, had become a man of impulse and dirt. She didn’t confront him or make a scene; she didn’t even cry. Instead, she leaned back in her seat, numb, realizing that her marriage was already over in spirit.Part 3: Two Years of DevotionAs she sat there, flashes of the past flooded her mind. Two years of marriage — two years of her trying to please him in every way. She had known from the start that Charles didn’t love her. On their wedding day, he had made it painfully clear that his heart already belonged to another woman. Still, Yolanda married him out of hope, out of love, out of the foolish belief that devotion could melt even the coldest heart. She gave up her career, her ambitions, and her independence, just to prove she was worthy of him. She cared for him like a nurse for her patient — cooking his meals, planning his wardrobe, and tending to every detail of his life. And in return, she got nothing but distance and silence.Part 4: The Breaking PointNow, watching him entwined with another woman, everything she had built inside her — the patience, the sacrifice, the illusion — collapsed. The man she had once called her husband had become unrecognizable. He had torn off his noble mask and revealed himself as nothing more than a beast driven by desire. Yolanda felt like she’d been slapped, her dignity shattered into pieces. But instead of screaming or crying, she felt an eerie calm. Her pain was too deep to express. All she could think was: This marriage must end.Part 5: Charles’s UneaseWhile Yolanda drove home, Charles suddenly sensed that something was wrong. The headlights of a passing car illuminated his face, and a chill ran down his spine. He didn’t know whose car it was, but unease stirred in his chest. The girl in his arms whimpered for his attention, but his mind was already elsewhere. Straightening his clothes, he pulled away coldly. “That’s enough for tonight,” he said flatly. “The company’s got big projects. I can’t afford divorce rumors right now.” His words revealed not love, but calculation — every move guided by image and control. The girl, blinded by her feelings, agreed softly, claiming she would wait. But to Charles, it was just another temporary indulgence.Part 6: The Return HomeWhen Yolanda returned home, the villa felt colder than ever. She had just come out of the shower when Charles entered the bedroom, carrying his jacket. He looked as immaculate as always — tall, handsome, commanding — but tonight, his arrogance seemed cruel. On his pristine white shirt, Yolanda noticed a faint smear of pink lip gloss. She had never worn lip gloss; she hated its stickiness. That small, shiny mark told her everything she needed to know. As she dried her hair, she kept her expression neutral, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of seeing her pain.Part 7: The Cold ConversationCharles glanced at her and asked casually, “When did you get back?”“This afternoon,” she replied.He loosened his tie, unbuttoning his shirt as if nothing had happened. “I was out playing golf tonight,” he added. The lie rolled off his tongue effortlessly. Through the reflection in the window, Yolanda saw the dirt on his back — proof that golf wasn’t the only game he’d been playing. With quiet fury, she shot back, “Then I guess you scored plenty of holes. Congrats.”Her sarcasm caught him off guard. For the first time, he frowned, slightly unsettled. He wasn’t used to this tone from her — the woman who once worshiped him now sounded indifferent, almost mocking.Part 8: His Cruel ArroganceInstead of apologizing, Charles smirked and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Are you mad? I told you when we got married that I didn’t love you. If you’re that unhappy, find someone else to cheat with.” His words cut through her like a blade. It wasn’t just betrayal anymore — it was humiliation. He treated her heartbreak as an inconvenience, as if her pain were irrelevant. Inside, Yolanda’s chest felt like it was being strangled with wire, every breath searing. Yet she stayed silent. Her quietness, once a sign of love, now turned into armor.Part 9: The Memory of InnocenceIn that moment, Yolanda’s mind drifted back to when she first met Charles. She was young, freshly adopted into the Grant family, and he was already the picture of perfection — disciplined, confident, untouchable. Back then, she looked at him with admiration and love. To her, he was everything she aspired to be. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that this same man would someday make her feel worthless. All those years of love, of marriage, of giving — they now felt like a cruel joke.Part 10: A New Beginning Hidden in the Word “Fine”Charles chuckled when she finally said, “Fine.” To him, it was just another empty threat, another outburst that would fade with time. He kissed her cheek, confident that her love would keep her shackled to him forever. What he didn’t realize was that this time, “Fine” wasn’t surrender — it was goodbye. Behind her calm eyes, Yolanda had already made her decision. The love that once bound her had turned to ash, and from that ash, something new was forming — strength.Chapter 1 ends with Yolanda’s quiet determination to take back her life. She won’t cry or beg anymore. This time, she’ll walk away — not as a broken wife, but as a woman reborn through betrayal.
