How to tame a Tyrant CEO ( or die trying)

"I refuse to marry!" After announcing, Lucy stared at the man she called 'father,' watching as his face went from pale to red, a comical sight to behold.

"Slap!" The anticipated slap echoed throughout the room. The man, Andrew Carter, had put a fair amount of strength into his strike, causing Lucy's face to swell instantly, blood oozing out from the corner of her mouth.

Lucy wiped the blood away with her hand, staring at Andrew.

Andrew pointed at her with his right hand and declared, "Lucy, whether you agree or not, you'll have to marry! Don't think I'm discussing this with you, I'm merely informing you! You've enjoyed the generosity of the Carter family for over two decades, it's about time you returned the favor!"

Lucy coldly stared at Andrew. After being away from him for several years, she noticed that he became more and more adept at spewing lies. What did he mean by her "enjoying the generosity of the Carter family for over two decades"? The 'Carter family was supposed to bear the 'Dalton' surname instead, a heritage left for her mother by her maternal grandfather and then for her by her mother. Yet, Andrew, the man she had once called 'father,' altered her mother's will after her tragic accident and claimed all the Dalton family's assets for himself when she was just five. It was that very year that her stepmother and stepsister officially entered the Carter household and claimed their rights as legitimate family members. Only then did she find out he already had another family and child outside.

"Is that so? Since it's like this, I'll agree to the marriage then." At her words, Andrew's face relaxed, and Alison and Jade Carter, who were enjoying the drama from the sofas, shared a look before breaking into laughter.

"At least you understand." Andrew sat next to Alison and said.

"However, I have a condition."

Andrew glanced at Lucy, accepted the tea from Alison, took a sip, and said, "Don't even think of setting conditions."

"If that's the case, then wait for your Sister Jade to marry into the Anderson family with its rumored tyrant."

"Are you threatening me?" Andrew stood up, and moved towards Lucy, "Unless you're dead, don't even think about it!"

"Well, then I'll go die, it's not like living is any fun."

Andrew stared at Lucy, watching her talk about death so calmly. It was as if she really would do something drastic if he didn't comply. "She's matured in these past few years," He thought.

"Go on then."

"Return the Dalton's estate to me."

Ethan, Alison, and Jade were all shocked when they heard his proposal. That property was built on prime real estate. Selling it would easily bring in hundreds of millions. Plus, it had some history. It was built by the Dalton family's ancestors and the design had distinct characteristics from the 20s and 30s, thereby also making it a landmark in New York City.

"You wish!" Alison exclaimed, standing up to reprimand Lucy. However, after Ethan gave her a stern look, she resentfully sat back down without saying a word and enjoyed the show.

"The property is something I will not give you," declared Ethan Carter. "Although, if you're interested in other properties or cash, I might consider it."

"All I want is that property, nothing else holds my interest."

"Lucy, a person should know how to take the hint. Like I told you before, you have to get married, whether you want to or not. But I figured, considering you're my daughter, I would give you some benefits. Nevertheless, if you're not content, don't blame me for being a harsh father."

Lucy gave a cold smile. "Ethan, right now you're the one begging me. I know that the Carter Corporation is facing a financial crisis. Without a robust capital injection, the Carter Corporation will likely crumble. You've managed to secure connections with the Anderson family, but they want you to marry your precious daughter, Jade, to the rumored tyrant Elias Anderson. Unwilling to give up your beloved daughter, you now realize, you have another daughter to throw into the mix."

Andrew's face turned alternatingly red and white, as Lucy's words hit home. He pointed at Lucy, panting heavily, unable to speak, only stammering out, "You... you..." Alison rushed over to help him sit on the sofa, coaxing him to calm down.

"Lucy, look at what you've done! How could you upset Father like this?"?"Jade glared at Lucy and accused her.

Lucy remained silent.

"Dad, look at her, she won't even respond when her big sister talks to her."Jade pouted, shaking Andrew's arm childishly.

"Jade Carter, can't you see your father is really upset right now? Go and make him a cup of tea." Alison gestured to her darling daughter using her eyes.

Jade brewed a cup of tea, gently blowing on it before handing it to Ethan. He took a sip and said, "Jade is always considerate."

Lucy looked at the loving family scene playing out in front of her, the affectionate parents and the dutiful daughter, and she gave a cold, derisive smile in her heart.

"If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving," She said nonchalantly, heading to the foyer without looking back.

"Hold it right there, did I say you could leave?" Ethan barked.

"You might not have said it, but these are my legs–they listen only to me." With that, Lucy spoke, continuing to walk without looking back, heading straight toward the entranceway.

Andrew watched as Lucy, undeterred by his threats, continued to walk away. A sense of helplessness welled up within him. She was right; he did need her. The White Garden may be valuable, but it was nothing compared to the wealth of the Anderson family. He let out a heavy sigh. As Lucy's hand touched the doorknob, just as she was about to turn it, he spoke, "Fine, Lucy, the property is yours. But you have to promise me, that even if you become part of the Anderson family after marrying into it, you cannot use the Anderson's power to take revenge on the Carter's. After all, the predecessor of the Carter belonged to the Dalton estate, which was meticulously built by your grandfather and later passed down to your mother. Unfortunately, your mother's life was cut too short, and I had to take it over with reluctance.

Lucy looked at Andrew in amusement. It was quite a spectacle to see this poor man, who had gained so much, portraying himself as if he had suffered a great deal. "Don't worry, I won't. I'm not interested in your wealth," she said. With that, Lucy turned the doorknob to leave but then spoke again, "I hope the deed to Daltion estate is transferred to me by this afternoon."

Andrew was taken aback for a moment, his face darkening. "Alright."

Andrew had already made arrangements with the people at the housing administration office, so the transfer process went smoothly. As soon as Lucy got the document bag, she took a cab to the cemetery. Kneeling in front of her mother Isabella Dalton's grave, she placed the document bag in front of the gravestone and started to talk to her mother about her day. In the end, she said, "Mom, don't worry. I remember your words, about not living in hatred. I reclaimed the Dalton estate so that they wouldn't get it so easily. When you ask a favor, there's always a price to pay. Besides, you grew up there. Many of your memories are there. Mom, I will continue to live well in the future–for you and myself. I will live well."

The wedding took place as scheduled.Since this was just a performance of a wedding, Lucy didn't invite her Uncle Evan's family, arguably the only relatives she had. Sitting alone in the dressing room, she gazed at her reflection in the mirror, carefully made up by a makeup artist. Her large upward-swept phoenix eyes, long eyelashes, straight and prominent nose, and small round mouth, all features that described her as a beauty, and one that was easy on the eyes at that.Lucy smiled. What's the use of being a beauty? It was nothing more than a pretty shell.

She would rather have been born plain; then the Carter family wouldn't have targeted her. She wouldn't have had to become her sister's substitute bride, and would have lived a peaceful life. She had a feeling that things would not go smoothly today."Lucy, remember, no matter what happens, you have to stand strong!" Lucy looked at herself in the mirror, mentally psyching herself up.Things, as Lucy predicted, didn't go smoothly. The wedding was scheduled to begin at ten, and the parents had arrived as expected, as had the attending guests. However, the groom-Elias Anderson, was yet to show up. Guests started whispering among themselves, and some even laughed lightly without restraint.A wedding without a groom? How should it not be ridiculed? Lucy stood in a corner, contemplating. She watched Mr. Carter and Alison, their faces slightly awkward due to the whispers of others. Even she felt like laughing, a hidden sense of revenge surging within her.Mother-in-law, Amara, looked at her husband, whose face was as dark as the night sky, with misty eyes. Heaving a heavy sigh, he ordered the housekeeper to see off the guests, and then left the venue with Amara by his side, he passed by Mr. Carter and Alison without so much as a greeting.In the dressing room, Amara held Lucy's hand, saying, "I'm sorry for the inconvenience, Elias has been spoiled by me. Don't worry, when he comes back, I'll talk to him and he'll be sure to make it up to you."Lucy tweaked her lips slightly in a smile and said, "Auntie, I'm fine.""But from now on you should start calling me 'mom'." Amara patted Lucy's hand."Mom," Lucy called softly. She thought it would be hard for her to call her that, but found out it was easy, albeit void of warmth."Oh, good girl," Amara, somewhat excited, touched Lucy's face. There were even tears in her eyes. Her husband, standing behind her, tapped her shoulder, "Look at you, such a crying mess when you're already a mother-in-law."Lucy, however, was left baffled.In the evening.Lucy was driven to her new home, a villa located in the suburbs.It was late when Lucy made something to eat by herself and waited till ten o'clock. Seeing Elias Anderson not coming back, she inquired from the servants in the villa and chose a guest room on the first floor to sleep.Half-asleep, she seemed to hear someone outside and swiftly got up to quietly open the door.In the living room, a man and a woman were embracing each other. The woman seemed to be more proactive, kissing the man's neck and sliding towards his mouth. But the man dodged away.Lucy recognized them. The man was her husband in name, Elias, and the woman was a rising star named Lori Kane.Lucy wanted to retreat to her room and leave the living room to them; she had no interest in watching their intimate behavior.Hearing some noises, Elias, who was somewhat annoyed by Lori's kisses, turned his head to see a woman standing at the guest room door in a straight-pajama. He suddenly realised, this woman must be the wife his mother had forced upon him. He had to admit, this woman, Lucy, was more beautiful than he had imagined, but her eyes were devoid of lustre, giving off a cold and distant impression.He scoffed, then blew air into Lori's ear. Lori giggled and-with a triumphant-looked at Lucy.Elias turned Lori's face, "Why are you looking at her? Better serve me well."Lori smiled, standing on tiptoe, intending to kiss Elias' lips, but recalling the rumor and his earlier dodge, she aimed her kiss towards his neck instead.Lucy was about to retreat back into her room when Elias' voice suddenly rang out, "Did I say you could leave?"Lucy halted."I'm a little hungry, go make me some food," Elias said.Even though Elias wasn't looking at her, Lucy knew he was talking to her.She walked to the kitchen, concentrating on cooking.A few minutes later, Lucy came out with two bowls of noodles and placed them on the dining table, "There was nothing in the fridge, so I made some noodles."Elias was taken aback. He hadn't expected that the Miss Carter of the Carter family really knew how to cook. He pushed Lori aside, walked over to the dining table, and observed the noodles that Miss Carter served. The presentation of the noodles was appealing, with a poached egg on top, whetting his appetite instantly.He was somewhat hungry as well. Having been busy at work the whole day and continuing up until nine in the evening, he had initially wanted to dine with a friend. Suddenly recalling that it was his wedding day, he broke into a mischievous smile and called Lori, asking her to free up some time.Lori was naturally willing. She had been fascinated by Elias for a long time. Although there were rumors that he was a tyrant, she believed that if she could latch on to him, relying on the mere name 'Elias Anderson,' she could command the reins of power in the entertainment circle in the future.Thus, the two readily came into accord.That said, at the moment, Elias was more concerned about satisfying his hunger. He washed his hands, took a seat, and began eating the noodles. "The noodles taste good," Elias thought.Lori observed Elias relishing his meal and ignored her completely, shooting Lucy a scornful look.Lucy paid no heed and walked straight out of the kitchen. A quick idea struck Lori, and as Lucy passed her, she surreptitiously stuck out her foot, tripping her.There was a flower stand in front of Lucy, onto which was placed a pot of Lucky Bamboo contained in a glass bottle. As Lucy stumbled into the flower stand, the glass bottle fell and shattered into pieces on the floor. Lucy's right hand, quite uncannily, got pierced by a shard, immediately causing blood to ooze out.Lori feigned concern as she quickly crouched down, "Miss Carter, are you alright? Oh dear, you're bleeding!"All this commotion did not escape Elias' ears. He furrowed his brows in annoyance, disliking people disturbing his meal time. The villa's butler, upon hearing the noise, rushed out to see the shattered pieces on the floor and Lucy kneeling there, bleeding. He wasn't sure what to do for a moment."Mr. Cedric, remove this noisy thing for me," said Elias.Lori, who was gloating, was surprised when Mr. Cedric ordered the Security to grab her and take her away. "You've got it wrong! I didn't disturb Mr. Anderson!" she yelled and struggled.Seeing Elias' brows furrow further, Mr. Cedric wasted no time in ordering the bouncers to gag Lori and quickly carry her away.

Because of the previous incident with Lori, Lucy didn't make a sound. She bore the pain and exerted strength to pluck the shards lodged in her hand. Then with her left hand covering the wound, she approached the housekeeper and quietly asked him if there were any coagulants.Seeing that Elias showed no emotion, the housekeeper - Cedric, gestured for Lucy to sit on the living room sofa. He fetched a first aid kit and began to dress her wound.Lucy, feeling somewhat tired, glanced at Elias and queried, "Mr.

Anderson, could I please retire for the night?""What do you think?" Elias looked back at her and responded."Ok." That response certainly implied dissent, Lucy thought, so she continued to sit down.Elias felt a certain sense of helplessness. The woman in front of him seemed to elicit no emotions. "Prepare my bath.""Ok." Lucy stood up and headed upstairs to Elias's room since she had already asked the housekeeper which one was his. She opened the bathroom door with ease and started to fill the bath.Housekeeper Cedric watched Lucy's retreating figure, then glanced at Elias, seemingly wanting to speak, but held back."Housekeeper Cedric, you have been around for quite some time. I believe you understand when to speak and when to hold your peace," Elias suddenly said."Yes, only... Mister Anderson, Miss Carter is the mistress chosen by Madam, after all, you...""If you want to leave, just say it directly.""Mister Anderson, I've spoken out of turn.""Hmm, you may leave."Elias glanced at his wristwatch, which displayed it was already well past midnight. He ascended the stairs and entered his room, observing the slender figure in the bathroom. Since her right hand was injured, she could only rely on her left hand. Even so, she worked diligently and methodically. It was clear she was accustomed to doing chores."Do you often do these things?" he asked."Um."Elias was somewhat puzzled. As far as he knew, Jade was brought up under the doting care of Andrew Carter, and had a well-known rich lady's temperament; that's why he had used various tactics to provoke her. Yet, the person in front of him not only refrained from flaunting the prima donna attitude but also seemed rather skillful in handling household chores. Could it be?"Are you really the daughter of the Carter family?""Yes." Lucy knew that Elias had doubts, so she readily admitted, "But, I am the one who is kept hidden.""Um?""My name is Lucy Carter.""Lucy Carter?" Elias chuckled, "That old fox!" However, he was somewhat curious about how his mother would react upon hearing this. He was looking forward to it.Lucy lay on Elias's bed, feeling a sense of indescribable fear about what was to follow. For the first time, she felt like running away. After much hesitation, she could no longer tolerate his fiddling with the door handle from inside the bathroom and decided to get out of bed. Just as she was about to turn the door handle at the entrance of the bedroom, Elias's voice echoed, "Where are you going?"Hearing this, Lucy froze in her tracks. She took a deep breath before she finally turned around, "I think, I want...I want to use the restroom." Lucy came up with what she thought was an excellent excuse.Elias looked at Lucy. Although she was looking directly at him, her eyes were shifty, indicating she was lying. Her hands were nervously intertwined, with the thumbs of each hand circling around each other.Elias walked up to Lucy, deliberately bracing his hand on the door, "You seem nervous?""Ah, no." Lucy shook her head. Seeing the handsome face close before her, she couldn't see whether her own face was turning red, but she was definitely aware of her face heating up. It was so hot that she felt like putting an ice pack on it."Still saying no," he looked straight into her eyes, making Lucy squirm uncomfortably. She wished she could hide away, "Really rare to see other expressions on your face. Your face is so red, should I call you ' as charming as the peach blossom'?"Lucy touched her face, it was truly very hot, "The weather is too warm.""You're still feeling hot with the air conditioning set at 24 degrees C?"Lucy was left speechless, unable to reply.Elias's right hand gently reached out to touch Lucy's face. Just as he imagined, her skin was delicate and smooth. His fingers slid down, stopping at the corner of her mouth. His thumb touched her lips, which were as soft and tender as he'd predicted."I wonder what they would taste like?" With that thought, Elias targeted those soft lips and kissed them.Lucy tried to back off, but she was cornered against the door with no route to escape, so she had to endure Elias's kiss."It tastes really good!" Elias, after a shallow taste, stopped his actions. He gazed at Lucy, watching her chest rise and fall as her breath grew rapid, "Is it your first time?"Lucy paused and then understood what he was implying. Her face flushed with color, and she responded with a small nod."Very good!" The corner of Elias's mouth curled; he liked them pure.Still at a loss on what was happening, Lucy found herself soaring in the air then landing in strong, sturdy arms. She quickly wrapped her arms around Elias's neck for fear of falling.Elias tossed Lucy onto the bed, removed his bathrobe, and attempted to take off Lucy's clothes.In her panic, Lucy tried to push him away. Elias pinned her hands to the bed and stared at her, "You are my wife." Implying that this was expected.His words were factual. Lucy stopped resisting, although she was still feeling anxious, and restlessly watched him.Elias suddenly softened, "I'll be gentle."Under his spell, Lucy nodded and surrendered herself to him.The next morning, Lucy woke up due to hunger. She checked the wall clock and realized it was already past ten o'clock. She couldn't believe she'd slept in so late; she usually woke up at six o'clock. Looking at her side, she noticed Elias was no longer there."Being held in someone's arms feels so good." Lucy reflected, missing the way he held her last night, that sensation was so comforting, it was similar to a mother's embrace."Mom!" Lucy silently called out, tears rolling down her face.Despite her aching body, Lucy forced herself to get up, take a shower, get dressed, and head to the dining room to deal with her hunger.Seeing Lucy was up, Butler Cedric said, "Young mistress, you're up."Lucy was slightly taken back, in just one night her title had changed from Miss Carter to Young Mistress, and it took some getting used to. "Mmm.""Master Anderson left for work early this morning. He asked me to inform you that he will have dinner with you back at the old house tonight. Please prepare early. The clothes have been bought according to Master Anderson's instructions and will be delivered soon.""Mmm," Lucy replied, hoping that he would finish quickly, as she was nearly famished."Oh, right, young mistress, you must be hungry. The food is still hot, I will have someone prepare it immediately.""Alright." Lucy sat at the dining table and Butler Cedric ordered the food to be served promptly.While eating, Lucy thought to herself, "People are truly selfish. Yesterday they ignored me, leaving me to cook my own meal, but today they've changed their attitude completely."After lunch, as soon as the clothes arrived, without waiting for Lucy's instruction, Butler Cedric ordered the clothes to be arranged carefully in Elias's room.Lucy picked out a white dress and tried it on. It fits perfectly. After selecting the accessories, she decided to leave them aside and wear them when the time came.Although this was her home now, Lucy still felt like a stranger. She didn't know what she could or couldn't do, so she sat in the living room and watched television. After a while, she remembered that she had a book in her luggage. She retrieved it from the guest room she used last night and sat reading it on the living room couch.Around the clock struck four, a car honked outside, "Young mistress, Master Anderson is back.""Ok." Lucy acknowledged, then continued reading her book."Young mistress, according to the tradition of the Anderson family, you should stand at the entrance to welcome Master Anderson.""Ok." Lucy put her book aside, rose, and walked to the entrance to wait.When Elias entered, he saw Lucy standing calmly. He took off his jacket and extended it to her.Lucy looked at him, puzzled.