Entangled In His Toxic Love

"Good day, I'm here to apply as a waitress."

"We're currently not looking for more staff. You might want to try elsewhere."

"32-23-33. Surely, I fit the bill, right? Could you make an exception? I'm ready to start tonight."

The receptionist's dismissal was cut short as she glanced up, taken aback by the woman standing before her.

Ariella Fletcher was undeniably stunning. Her long, dark hair cascaded down like silk, her skin was smooth, and her eyes were an unusual shade that set her apart. Her features were refined beyond those of an average woman, giving her an exotic allure.

Noticing the receptionist's gaze, she offered a smile. Her presence was magnetic. Clad in just a simple white dress, with no hint of makeup, she exuded the elegance of a woman accustomed to the finer things in life, like sipping wine in upscale venues.

The receptionist's attention was drawn to the diamond necklace gracing Ariella's neck, leading to disbelief. "Are you serious about applying for the waitress role?"

With a carefree gesture, Ariella removed the necklace and grinned. "It's just an imitation. A keen eye would see through it if they looked closely. I'm here to earn some money for the real deal."

This cleared up the confusion. Why would someone adorned with diamonds need an escort job? The receptionist looked at her with a mix of skepticism and disdain. "Do you have any references?"

"Lainey sent me," Ariella responded.

"Then you're aware of how things work around here," the receptionist began, her tone carrying a hint of warning. "As a 'waitress,' you don't get to pick who you serve. You'll attend to any client we assign and cater to their demands without complaint. Is that clear?"

Ariella was half-listening, as her mind was elsewhere. She wasn't genuinely here for a job interview. Regardless of what was said, her response was always a nod accompanied by a smile. "I understand."

The phone interrupted their exchange. The receptionist answered, "Hello, this is Phoenix Nightclub."

After a brief conversation, she turned back to Ariella. "A client has arrived."

A flicker of disgust crossed Ariella's face, quickly replaced by a polite smile. "Okay."

After a few more words into the phone, the receptionist hung up and handed Ariella a card key. "You're in luck. A client is available at 8 pm. Impress him, and there might be a generous tip. Wait in Room 502."

With the card key in hand, Ariella headed towards the stairs. She paused after a few steps, turning to flash a grateful smile at the receptionist. "Thank you. The necklace is yours to keep."

It was then the receptionist noticed the necklace left casually on the desk. She picked it up with a sneer, believing it was a fake. Though it was not important to her, it bore a striking resemblance to a genuine diamond necklace.

Ariella located Room 502, swiping the card to enter. A strong scent hit her immediately, causing a momentary frown which she quickly smoothed away. She retrieved a bathrobe from the wardrobe and headed into the bathroom for a shower. Emerging over ten minutes later, she was clad in just the bathrobe.

Barefoot, she moved towards the window, her footsteps leaving a damp imprint on the floor. Peering outside, she caught sight of a car she recognized slowly pulling into the underground garage.

A slight smile curved her lips. She had no doubt he would come.

As she soaked in the nighttime view, intending to draw the curtains closed, the sound of the card key sliding in and the door opening caught her attention. Before she could turn around, someone wrapped their arms around her from behind in a swift embrace.

The distinct scent of tobacco filled her nostrils. Before Ariella could react, her bathrobe was abruptly opened, and a chilly hand explored her waist.

Ariella shivered, the man's deep voice echoing in her ear. "What were you thinking coming to a place like this? Ariella, are you trying to provoke me? Have you forgotten who you belong to?"

Realizing she was wearing nothing underneath, the man's demeanor grew even colder, his caresses more forceful.

Struggling to maintain her balance, Ariella leaned back into him, feeling the warmth of his chest.

She caught her breath and chuckled, "Whose fault is it? You're the one who's been avoiding me. Ignoring my texts, my calls. I even went to your office, only to be told by your secretary you were on a business trip. It's been nearly a month. I missed you, so I had to draw you out somehow."

She paused, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "See, my plan worked, didn't it?"

"What if I didn't come?" The room was cloaked in darkness, blurring the lines between joy and irritation in his tone. However, the indifference in his voice clashed with the intimacy of his actions toward Ariella.

She pivoted, draping her arms around his neck, her breath a tender caress on his skin. "Imagine not showing up, leaving me to the mercy of someone else. Could you really bear to do that?"

"What if I wasn't aware that you're here?"

But ignorance was a luxury Brennen Hudson could hardly afford.

His name carried a significant weight.

The man commanded the Hudson lineage, a titan among the echelons of Friaham, wielding influence that made the city's pulse sync with his own whims. Nothing in Friaham could elude him.

Moonlight breached the room through curtains left ajar, casting Brennen in a celestial spotlight.

Ariella gazed at Brennen, her smile wide as she softly caressed his cheek.

A month had passed without a glimpse of each other, yet he appeared just as she remembered. His eyes retained their profound depth, his looks undiminished in their appeal. He carried the air of a prince, his charm without equal.

In Friaham, the Pearsons also held sway, yet it was the Hudsons who were often spoken of in awe. Among the luminaries of his family, Brennen stood out. His brilliance was unmatched among everyone else.

He was the brightest and most capable, and to top it off, he was the most dashing of them all.

"Why are you so eager to see me?"

"I long for you, Mr. Hudson. Don't you yearn for me?" Ariella traced circles on his chest with her fingers, her voice a soft murmur in his ear. "I ache for you deeply."

Her enigmatic yet alluring words managed to stir the man. He reached out and swiftly closed the curtains, pressing her against the wall in the dimness.

The only sound that broke the silence was the tearing of fabric.

The shabby hotel room wasn't soundproof, and Ariella could clearly hear the cars and people chatting outside the window. It felt like they were engaging in public sex, igniting a sense of shame that made her cheeks flush.

Brennan possessed boundless stamina, akin to an insatiable wolf. He had ravished her all night long, nearly draining the life out of her.

"Do you still desire it now?"

When he finally finished, she lacked the strength to respond.

When Ariella woke up, she found herself no longer in that shabby hotel room. Instead, she lay on the plush bed of a five-star establishment. Sunlight streamed in through the partially drawn curtains, bathing the room in morning light.

Brennen emerged from the bathroom, his hair still damp and droplets of water cascading down. Clad only in a bath towel around his waist, it was evident he had just showered. He cast a nonchalant glance at the woman in the bed.

Ariella's cheeks burned, and she feigned composure, averting her gaze. He was strikingly handsome. Even without his status as the heir of the Hudson family, he could easily captivate many with his charm. Perhaps some women would even vie to be his sugar mommy.

Regrettably, this man was a Hudson.

Ariella slipped out of bed, clad in a silk nightdress. When Brennen glanced her way, she playfully winked at him, exuding allure.

However, he remained unresponsive, focusing instead on drying his hair and getting dressed.

Ariella pursed her lips and reached for the suit lying beside Brennen. She wanted to assist him in putting it on, but as she picked it up, a piece of paper slipped out of his pocket.

Seconds later, she managed to retrieve an invoice from a luxury brand. It turned out that he had purchased a ring.

A mix of emotions sparkled in Ariella's eyes. With a smile, she cocked her head and gazed at Brennen. "Mr. Hudson, did you buy me a gift?"

Brennen raised an eyebrow, seemingly asking a question.

With the invoice in hand, she approached him. Barefoot, she deliberately stepped on the back of his feet and asked, "Did you buy this ring for me?"

He glanced at the invoice and replied, "I didn't."

Ariella's eyes widened in vigilance. She asked in a more cautious tone, "You didn't buy it for me? Then who did you buy it for?"

"For a friend." He moved past her, retrieving his tie and straightening his attire before the full-length mirror.

Ariella turned to him, asking again, "A friend? Is this friend a man or a woman? You know, gifting a ring carries great significance. Be sure that it's for the right person."

Brennen lowered his head, planting a kiss on her cheek. "What jewelry would you like? Head to the store and use my card."

However, Ariella wasn't content with his generosity. She still wanted to uncover the recipient of the ring. Tugging at his sleeve, she spoke sweetly. "Brennen, who is the lucky recipient of that ring? Tell me, isn't there any other gift you can give? Why does it have to be a ring?"

When he heard that, Brennen turned to look at her with a serious face. His eyes carried a warning as he spoke. "Ariella, you've gone too far."

Ariella found herself at a loss for words. Shocked and unable to reply, she just pressed her lips together, feeling wronged and sorrowful.

Brennen's gaze flickered with impatience. He grabbed his coat and spoke in a light tone. "You've got until noon to check out. You can catch some more sleep. I've got business at the company and need to head out."

She stood there, taken aback, before finally asking, "When will I see you again, Brennen? Brennen!"

Thereafter, he opened the door and stepped out.

Waiting outside was his secretary, Khloe Payne. "Mr. Hudson."

Brennen glanced towards the door with an unreadable look. However, Khloe, who had been by his side for years, could read his thoughts like an open book. She noticed Ariella becoming increasingly bold, blatantly ignoring his rules. He had no patience for women who clung to him.

Khloe had once believed Ariella was different, clever enough to draw Brennen out. Yet, Ariella proved to be just like his past flames, clueless about why Brennen would turn cold for weeks. She had overstepped, asking too many questions last time, irritating him. Now, she repeated her mistake.

In Khloe's eyes, Ariella was foolish, likely unaware of her misstep. Perhaps she had lost her cool in the room, blaming Brennen for his hasty departure.

With a shake of her head, Khloe followed Brennen out.

Meanwhile, Ariella, whom Khloe looked down upon, felt a wave of relief wash over her as the door closed behind Brennen. The hurt on her face disappeared, replaced by a smirk. Glancing at the invoice in her hand, she scoffed and tossed it into the bin.

A week passed without a word from Brennen.

On the eighth day, the Property Management Bureau called her, requesting her presence for a transfer process.

Brennen was about to hand over a villa valued at nearly 100 million.