Chapter 410

The spotlight in the grand hall belonged entirely to Evelyn. Lillian Prescott's steps were rigid as she retreated to the ladies' room.

Several young socialites greeted her along the way, but she barely registered their presence.

Their whispered comments floated past her unnoticed. "Just an adopted daughter of Mr. Prescott. Who does she think she is?"

Inside the bathroom, Lillian splashed icy water on her burning face, trying to regain composure.

It didn't help.

The storm of rage and humiliation refused to subside.

The reflection staring back shocked her - a stranger with twisted features and wild eyes. Was this really her?

Tears broke free, streaking her carefully applied makeup.

Then came the terrifying moment when a hulking figure materialized behind her.

"What... how did you... this is the women's restroom!" Her voice cracked with panic.

Lillian's bloodshot eyes locked onto the predator's wolfish gaze. She tried to flee, but Wesley Thornton's iron grip closed around her wrist.

His sudden appearance felt supernatural.

That hungry look promised to devour her whole, carrying the metallic scent of violence.

Every instinct screamed danger. This man was quicksand - once caught, impossible to escape.

"Running from me, kitten? After how you begged for me that night? Remember how you wrapped those perfect legs around me?" Wesley's filthy whispers accompanied roaming hands.

Since their one-night encounter, no other woman satisfied him.

A month-long mission had delayed his pursuit. Now nothing would stop him.

Lillian, accustomed to genteel treatment, recoiled at his roughness. "Unhand me, you brute! How dare you speak such filth!"

Her slap never landed. With military precision, he twisted her wrist until bone popped from socket.

White-hot pain turned her face ghostly pale. Silent tears traced her cheeks as she bit her lip bloody.

"My bad, princess. Let me fix that." His laugh held no warmth.

The brutal relocation hurt worse than the injury. Her scream died behind clenched teeth.

"Get out! I'll call security!" She clung to her last shred of dignity.

Surely this beast couldn't belong to their elite circle.

Yet Wesley just chuckled darkly. "Scream away. Let them all see how the ice princess melts. Your precious father can't touch the Thornton family. I'll even marry you if it comes to that."

He produced damning photos - her naked form arched beneath him in ecstasy. "Who knew A City's darling was such a wildcat?"

Lillian's world tilted. That face, that body - undeniably hers. But how?

"You doctored these! Name your price! Was it Evelyn? I'll pay ten times whatever she offered!"

Wesley crushed her against the sink, muffling her hysterics. "Tearing these up changes nothing. I've got videos too. Want a preview?" His free hand wandered lower.

"Please... what do you want?" Her plea came out strangled.

"You. Now." His body pinned hers.

Initial pain gave way to shameful pleasure, stripping away her ladylike facade.

Afterward, as Wesley adjusted his uniform, Lillian mustered one last act of defiance - a stinging slap.

His eyes turned murderous. She fled before he could react.

Back in the ballroom, surrounded by oblivious guests, she almost felt safe. Until she spotted Evelyn laughing with her parents, and the jealousy returned tenfold.