At the same time, Sherry Shaw’s reputation soared, carried upward by the rising tide of the Hills Group.
Since she had severed ties with the Shaw family early on, the industry held no ill opinion of her. On the contrary, collaborations poured in, and her schedule was already booked solid three years ahead.
The Shaws, however, had fallen into misery. Every powerful family avoided them like the plague, afraid of being dragged down by their curse. The Shaws were like leeches–once they latched onto someone, they would never stop sucking.
“Sherry, there’s an industry banquet in a couple of days. Why don’t you come and show your face?” Sophie called.
Sherry stretched lazily, spinning her chair toward the floor–to–ceiling window.
“What kind of banquet…? I’m too tired. No energy for that.”
Before Sophie could reply, the phone was snatched from her by the man beside her.
“It’s in three days. I’ll give you three days off.”
Three free days off? Sherry’s eyes instantly lit up.
Marcus hung up, then pulled Sophie into his arms. His greedy kisses devoured her like a starving beast. Sophie squirmed, protesting only half–heartedly.
It took a long while before Marcus finally released her. By then, their lipstick was smeared, and emotion lingered in their eyes. Even so, Marcus still refused to let her go.
“You’re crushing my stomach…” Sophie shifted with a playful whine.
Marcus quickly released her, though his gaze carried a wounded look.
“You haven’t touched me these past few days.”
Sophie laughed, pulling a tissue to wipe her lips and then his.
“When will you ever put me first?” Marcus frowned, gripping her wrist in mock revenge.
Sophie fell into his arms with a smile.
“You and my family have always been my first.”
At that, Marcus sighed in defeat, loosening his grip.
“Three days from now, come with me to the banquet.” His commanding tone left no room for refusal.
Sophie sat upright, finally realizing how little attention she’d given this jealous man while dealing with Ethan Chandler’s matters.
Suddenly, she swung a leg over him, straddling him, pressing close. Their breaths mingled, his heartbeat raced.
Her fingertips brushed the buttons on his shirt, her gaze sliding over his eyes, his nose, his lips, then settling on his chest.
Her fingers slipped through the fabric, scratching lightly at his firm muscles like a kitten’s paw.
The hardness pressing against her grew more obvious. Marcus groaned, catching her wrist.
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I Ctrl+Alt+Deleted My Ex and Ctrl+C’d His Uncle
93.2%
Chapter 262
“Hey, starting a fire like that is illegal.”
Sophie smirked faintly,
“Oh.”
Her indifferent reply made it clear she was about to get up. She deliberately moved slowly, knowing he would react.
As expected, Marcus seized her wrist, bent down, and scooped her up. Her feet left the ground unexpectedly, and his gaze closed in.
“The couch isn’t comfortable. Want to try the bed?”
“Marcus!” Sophie gasped, kicking her legs to resist.
He only grinned slyly.
“Too late. The fire’s already spreading!”
With that, he carried her into the bedroom.
Moments later, muffled moans mixed with his rough, urgent breathing. His shirt was already gone.
“Maybe we shouldn’t…” Sophie whispered, hesitant but tempted.
Marcus’s lips curved as he pinned her hands above her head.
“I asked Zack. He said it’s fine.”
“You told him?!” Sophie’s face flushed crimson. If she had the strength, she’d have kicked him out of bed.
But Marcus smothered her with kisses, his large hands roaming.
“He told me first.”
In the dim light, Marcus’s long–awaited wish was finally fulfilled. He was careful, and Sophie didn’t feel any pain.
Later, she drifted to sleep, cheeks still flushed, while Marcus held her close, unwilling to let go.
Three days later, the industry banquet was in full swing.
That evening, Sophie attended under her pen name, Liora. The banquet was packed with elites from every field in Riverland, networking, striking deals, sparking new ideas.
The short break had done wonders for Sherry. She wore a mermaid gown, though it felt uncomfortably tight after so long. Even breathing was
difficult.
Her feet bound by the dress, she stumbled like a mermaid learning to walk.
“Whoa!” She tripped again, nearly falling-
-but strong hands caught her waist, steadying her with a firm lift.
Sherry turned, ready to thank the person–only to freeze when she saw his face.
“Ethan Chandler…”
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I Ctrl+Alt+Deleted My Ex and Ctrl+C’d His Uncle
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Chapter 262
Her expression sank, and she turned to leave.
But the gown and heels betrayed her; every few steps she stumbled again.
Ethan stepped forward, raising his arm to support her hand.
“Hold onto me. It’ll be easier.”
Sherry yanked her hand away, glaring aside.
“I don’t need your help!”
Ethan sighed, glancing around helplessly, then spread his hands.
“Right now, you don’t have many other options.”
Most guests had already gone inside, leaving Sophie stranded awkwardly at the entrance.
Reluctantly, she let Ethan steady her wrist. The two of them walked in, faces tight, like a quarreling couple.
“Miss Liora, it’s such an honor to have you here tonight.” Several people gathered around Sophie, showering her with compliments,
She smiled awkwardly.
“You’re flattering me.”
“Not at all! Your achievements speak for themselves. And you’re not only Liora, you’re also Mrs. Morgan!” one woman praised with a thumbs–up.
At that, Sophie’s forced smile froze.
The atmosphere went silent, tension spreading.
“You should’ve said she’s not just Mrs. Morgan–she’s the renowned designer Liora.”
Marcus’s cold voice cut through as he appeared, standing at Sophie’s side.
“She’ll always be herself. Her best identity can only ever be her own.” His gaze lingered on Sophie, eyes full of admiration.
The guests quickly nodded along, while the woman who misspoke wished she could disappear.
“Well, who would’ve thought Liora and Mrs. Morgan were the same person!” A familiar, sharp voice drifted through the air.
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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.

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