Chapter 2 Bending His Own Rules

Lena was shocked by Dylan's stamina. From the steamy pool to the bed, his energy seemed boundless.

At dawn, sunlight filtered through the curtains, startling Lena awake.

She bolted upright, instinctively shielding her chest upon noticing the man still soundly asleep beside her.

She needed to leave-right away.

As she carefully slid off the bed, Dylan's arm coiled around her waist.

"Where are you sneaking off to?" he murmured, his head resting against her.

Lena's pulse quickened. "Just heading to the bathroom for a moment..."

Dylan sat up, cupping her face to meet his gaze.

She instinctively covered her mouth. "I haven't brushed yet."

In the soft glow of the night before, her resemblance to Alana was striking. But under daylight, her unadorned features revealed subtle distinctions.

Dylan chuckled, tousling her hair before planting a kiss on her cheek. "Go on, then."

Heart pounding, Lena pulled on last night's robe, stealing a glance at him as she stepped into the bathroom.

By the time she emerged, Dylan had freshened up in the adjacent room. Standing before the mirror, he was halfway through buttoning his shirt.

He glanced at her. "Honey, help me with my tie."

Lena swallowed hard and approached, her fingers deftly working the fabric into place-a skill honed during her stint at a men's boutique.

His intense gaze bore into her, unrelenting. She kept her eyes lowered, but he tipped her chin up, catching her off guard as his lips claimed hers once more.

Only when the tie was secured did she manage to slip away, flustered.

When Lena returned to the basement where they had agreed to meet, Alana was waiting, her expression dark with irritation.

"You bitch!" Alana snapped. "You were supposed to leave before sunrise, but you dragged it out! Are you trying to blow your cover?"

Lena shook her head. "That's not it at all."

Alana's lips curled into a sneer. "Let me make this clear-Dylan won't divorce me, even if he discovers the truth. This is about business, not love. So spare me your delusions. You'd be wise to put away any little schemes you might have."

Her voice turned icy as she added, "After all, a sultry mistress's child will never be accepted by high society."

Lena's eyes narrowed, her voice cold. "Alana, you can insult me, but leave my mother out of it."

If Owen Evans, her father, hadn't hidden his true identity and the fact that he was married with children, her mother would never have gotten involved with him.

"I'm just telling the truth," Alana scoffed.

Danna Sutton, the Evans family's housekeeper, interjected, "Ms. Evans, you should go back up before Mr. Harvey grows suspicious."

Alana threw Lena a scathing look. "Remember, as long as you do as you're told, your loved ones stay safe. Cross me, and I won't be so kind."

Flipping her hair, she strode upstairs.

Lena silently watched her leave, hatred burning in her eyes.

......

When Alana went upstairs, she found Dylan seated at the dining table, poised to begin his meal.

He was tall and broad-shouldered, his physique a clear result of disciplined workouts. His striking features and effortless charm captivated countless women. But it was Lena who had shared his bed the previous night. How hateful!

Swallowing her frustration, Alana walked over and rested her hand lightly on his shoulder. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

Dylan's brow furrowed as a cloying scent hit his nose. "What's that fragrance you're wearing?"

The subtle aroma she carried earlier that day had been far more appealing.

Unaware of his dissatisfaction, Alana smiled brightly. "It's Chanel's newest limited edition. Isn't it wonderful?"

"Go wash it off," Dylan said bluntly.

In his mind, she seemed sweet and captivating last night and stirred his protective instincts; now, she appeared showy and tacky.

It was almost incomprehensible how she could feel like a completely different person.

"Well..." Alana faltered, surprised by his directness. Dylan glanced at her again and softened his tone. "Forget it. You were worn out last night. If you like wearing this perfume, that's fine."

Alana's eyes widened in disbelief. Dylan, a man known for his unwavering principles and icy demeanor, had just bent his own rules.

But it wasn't for her. It was for Lena, the woman who'd been in his arms the night before!

Suppressing the jealousy surging within, Alana forced a smile. "Thank you, darling."

The miscarriage had cost her everything. It had robbed her of her chance to make love with Dylan and opened the door for Lena to swoop in.

The image of Lena and Dylan, wrapped in intimacy at the hot spring, flashed through Alana's mind, igniting a storm of envy.

At that moment, all she wanted was to ruin Lena's life.