Mason smirked mockingly. "You have quite the appetite. Aren't you worried that you're being too greedy?"Zoe gave a cold laugh. "It's up to me to decide whether I'm being greedy or not. 300 thousand and not a penny less. Then, I'll get this job done, Mr. Mason." Mason narrowed his eyes. "What if we don't secure the project?"Zoe's smile faded. "That's not my problem. It just means you're not capable enough."No one had ever challenged him so blatantly before. Mason found it arousing. He leaned in, whispering near Zoe's ear, "It seems I have to secure this project now. Otherwise, my dear Mrs. Lockwood might think I'm incapable."His masculine scent enveloped Zoe's senses as he approached her, causing a flutter. Zoe pushed him away. "Are we discussing business or are you trying to have your way with me again?"She still felt disgusted by the incident from the other night. A disloyal husband always brought unpleasant images of his intimate encounters with other women to mind. J

Mason stared at her for a moment. Then, he lightly chuckled, "Women pay attention to these things?" His voice suddenly deepened, carrying a hint of warmth. "So, Zoe, when did you learn these skills? Was it during your time as Mrs. Lockwood?"This remark was a bit flirtatious, something typical between spouses. Zoe had no interest in playing along. She turned her face away, looking out the car window, and calmly said, "I learned them along the way."Mason seemed like he wanted to say more. However, the traffic light turned green, and the cars behind them impatiently honked their horns. Mason had to press the accelerator lightly and drive away.…Mason brought Zoe to Brookesville's most upscale hair salon, and the manager personally tended to them.The manager was silver-tongued and eloquent. "Mrs. Lockwood, you have fair skin and a slender frame. We just received a new Marchesa couture dress that is perfect for you."As he spoke, he had it brought out for them to see. Indeed,

Terrence was well aware of the situation, mentioning the project and excusing himself for other engagements. He left first, leaving Mason to express gratitude to Rosemary.Rosemary looked at her husband's retreating figure, her eyes moistening. She turned to Mason and said, "Mason, you probably don't know this, but in the early years, Terrence had an affair and even considered divorcing me. At that time, no one in high society respected me. "Once, at an event, I met Zoe. She was only 15 or 16 at the time but knew how to cheer people up. When she accompanied Terrence, she wore a beautiful dress and danced ballet in a quiet corner to lift my spirits. You don't know how long it had been since I had genuinely laughed. I was filled with despair."Rosemary finished speaking with a faint smile, "Forgive me for unloading on you."As she left, her figure looked lonely yet proud. Even though she held the position of Mrs. Abbott now and her husband respected her, she understood that someon

Mason's gaze was gentle, his voice slightly husky. He said, "The dress looks really good on you."This was probably the most tender moment in their three years of marriage. Zoe felt a bit sentimental, but in the end, she just smiled faintly and replied, "Thank you."The two of them went upstairs together. The old facilities made Mason frown, but fortunately, the broken light in the hallway had been fixed.Behind them, a silver car was parked in the night.Ava sat in the car, silently watching them disappear. She was wearing an elegant and eye-catching white dress that should have been for the banquet.She had followed them from the Abbott residence.Watching Mason lead Zoe out, she had never seen such a gentle expression on Mason's face. She had also never seen him so possessive, his hand almost always gripping Zoe's waist.She always thought that Mason did not care about Zoe.She also thought that Zoe had been tortured in this loveless marriage for three years, but at the banq

Lilith's parents turned out to be former employees of the Sanders family.At that moment, a waiter brought a large plate of fish, but Mia had no appetite.She remained indignant. "There's definitely something fishy about the Wright family."Zoe also felt uneasy. She gently pressed Mia's hand, offering comforting words.She understood Mia. Mia came from a well-off family, and at 26, she had chosen to marry the 40-year-old Gordon, who already had a son and a daughter. This decision severed ties with her own family.Mia was proud. She swore to live well, to prove that her choice was right. Now, she felt trampled underfoot by former servants. She could not swallow this humiliation.Zoe comforted her.She also mentioned the money. "With this money, things will be much easier. Mom, our lives will only get better from here."Mia chuckled after being cheered up, but she could not hold back her tears as she laughed. "Zoe, I'm not doing this for myself. I just can't stand it for your s