The Year She Stopped Being Crazy for Him novel Chapter 104

He rarely ever lost his temper, except when it involved Gardenia.

He looked at Mia, then lifted his gaze to sweep a cool glance over Cora. He didn't even have to guess—he knew Cora had taught Mia to do that.

Though the kid had clearly inherited his fiery personality, she was still just a child. There was no way she would dare throw a drink at the father she barely knew without encouragement.

He walked over and raised his hand.

Cora instantly pulled Mia into her embrace, shielding her tightly.

The smirk never left Jude's lips. His hand lowered, resting gently on top of Mia's head. "Not bad. You're definitely my daughter, actually knowing how to stand up for justice."

His dark eyes locked onto Cora, his voice dangerously soft. "We'll settle this when we get home."

Natalie quickly stepped in front of Mia to block him.

She glared at Jude. "Mr. Sheridan, you should hurry up and change your clothes. You wouldn't want to catch a cold."

"I don't catch colds that easily. When it comes to physical stamina, you'd be better off worrying about your own husband."

Jude stood incredibly close to Natalie, acting almost as if they were the married couple.

Hassan stepped forward, seized Natalie's wrist, and dragged her away.

Natalie was caught off guard. She tried to shake him off, but his grip was like iron.

He pulled her into a private lounge and slammed the door shut.

The moment they were inside, he pinned her against the door, and with the faint scent of pine wood washing over her, he crashed his lips down onto hers.

Just like the kiss in the car the other day, it was aggressive and punishing. He pinned both of her hands down, leaving her lips feeling bruised and numb.

She lowered her head, desperately trying to wipe her mouth with the back of her trapped hand, looking utterly repulsed.

Hassan's breathing remained steady as he stared her down. "Natalie, don't make me repeat myself, understand? Otherwise..."

His eyes flashed with a dark warning, his voice dropping an octave. "Grandma Cecily won't be easily fooled. Without my help, do you really think your grandmother is going to get her surgery smoothly?"

Natalie sneered. "That's the only leverage you have left over me. Don't think I don't know the truth. The only reason you won't divorce me is because you're used to having a perfectly obedient little wife waiting at home."

If he had married an heiress of equal status, there was no way she would have put up with this kind of humiliation.

Hassan didn't bother defending himself. "As long as you know."

Natalie wrenched her hands free. "I know how to get myself home. I don't need your driver."

He replied flatly, "I'll be home in a little while."