Steal Mr. Vampire Of My Friend

"Helen, I want to eat the fried chicken, fries, and toast you made," Lydia Clark kicked off her high heels as soon as she entered, took off the sparkling diamond earrings from her ears, and flopped herself lazily on the sofa, not wanting to move.

Her black spaghetti strap dress tightly embraced her ample and rounded bosom. She was beautiful, charming, and cute, bringing out a sense of tenderness.

Her snow-white skin became even more alluring against the backdrop of the black dress.

Helen Lewis closed her laptop and walked over to pull up the raised hem of Lydia's dress. "Don't be like this even if nobody is here."

Lydia narrowed her eyes and smiled, "Helen, you are so old-fashioned and conservative, no wonder your man ran off with another woman."

Before she finished, the air became tense. Lydia knew she had said the wrong thing, but she was used to speaking her mind without reservation and didn't feel like apologizing.

Helen, on the other hand, mockingly remarked, "You're right, I am indeed too old-fashioned and conservative."

She was not angry either, and went to the kitchen to put on an apron, took out ingredients from the refrigerator, and quietly started cooking.

Lydia licked her red lips, sat up, and picked an apple from the table.

She walked barefoot to the kitchen, watching Helen busily working, and asked, "How's the job search going?"

Helen paused and shook her head. It was not going well. At 28, in today's age where youth is emphasized in all industries, coupled with the economic downturn, it was difficult to find a job. Should she not be looking for a job at 28 and start a business instead?

But she didn't have the capital to start a business.

Her boyfriend of eight years took her money to start a business, failed repeatedly, and finally took the remaining funds and ran away. Before leaving, he blamed Helen for being an extremely boring and unlucky woman, and claimed that she was the reason he couldn't make a fortune.

Helen was at a loss, unable to afford the rent, and was evicted by the landlord. She was walking on the street with her suitcase when she met Lydia.

Without hesitation, Lydia brought her back home.

Helen knew she had married a rich man, but she had no idea she had married well. The car drove into a luxurious estate, and in the distance, a magnificent European-style castle could be seen. The well-maintained pines and the rose garden surrounding the castle were adorned with a huge fountain, and the winding roads were lined with red roses.

This was the English Rose, the estate exuding a subtle sense of English elegance.

Helen couldn't help feeling inferior. Although they were college classmates, some people were born much better than her. She had thought of leaving after having coffee, but Lydia insisted on her staying, saying it wouldn't be too late to leave once she found a job.

Helen had nowhere else to go, so she stayed on despite her reluctance.

To salvage her remaining dignity, she took on the role of a housemaid voluntarily. She helped with the housekeeping, cooking, and laundry.

It's strange, such a large estate, but there aren't many servants. She only saw the butler, the chauffeur, and a few gardeners in the entire castle. Lydia said her husband doesn't like too many people around, so they only have cleaners come in on a schedule, but not many household staff.

Helen felt strange, especially the way the butler looked at her, always making her feel uncomfortable. He was a stern old man, with a long face, triangular eyes, and surprisingly gray-blue eyeballs. When he looked at you, even the most composed person couldn't help but feel nervous, fearing that they might do something wrong and be harshly reprimanded by him.

But she had never seen the butler lose his temper; he was always polite, courteous, and reliable. When Lydia said she wanted to stay on, he didn't ask many questions, just quietly arranged her accommodation.

Lydia said, "Just treat him like a robot. Give him tasks, and he'll do them well for you."

But Helen didn't dare, being just a temporary visitor, she wouldn't dare to boss her friend's butler.

After a few days of nervousness, seeing that the people here didn't look at her with strange eyes, Helen felt a little relieved.

The estate is very large, with reportedly hundreds of rooms. Helen couldn't understand how someone in City A could have such a large private estate.

Lydia told her that the Brown Family's ancestors went to Europe during World War II and married into the British nobility. After several generations of development, the family grew large. This is just one of their small holdings in America; even her husband holds the title of duke.

Lydia seemed proud as she said this. She was beautiful and had always skipped class to go on dates during her school days, meeting various rich second-generation men. Compared to Helen, who was plain-looking and only focused on studying, Lydia's life was undoubtedly more colorful.

People in the school used to look down on Lydia and gossip about her behind her back. Only Helen didn't get involved in these things; this was also why Lydia was willing to be friends with her.

In Lydia's words, Helen's heart was pure and clear, and she was worth befriending.

Thinking of this, Helen felt guilty. When she first saw this large estate, she felt a twinge of jealousy. Although very brief, she had indeed been jealous. She had thought maliciously that this woman's good looks were the only reason she had such a good life. But she quickly snapped out of it and laughed at her madness. What was the point of being jealous of someone else's fortune?

After living there for a while, Helen just wanted to find a job quickly and move out. Lydia once said that she wanted her husband to help arrange a position for Helen, but she refused. Her friend was different now, and if she kept clinging to her, she would inevitably be suspected of being opportunistic. She had a little bit of self-respect left and didn't want to be mocked and pushed around.

Seeing this, Lydia didn't force her and continued to live her own lively life every night.

Her husband was often away on business. And even after being here for nearly a month, Helen hadn't seen her friend's husband, and there wasn't even a single photo of him in the house. But Lydia seemed unconcerned, spending her days shopping and attending various parties and events.

She often came back drunk, pestering Helen to make her hangover soup.

Today Lydia came back early, and there was no smell of alcohol on her. She was nibbling on an apple and said, "Helen, if it's not working out, you can go to my husband's company. He happens to be back today, I'll talk to him, it's just a matter of a few words."

Helen lifted the lid, and her eyes were steamed by the hot vapor. After much deliberation, she realized that she couldn't survive on pride alone. She tugged at the corner of her lips and said, "Okay, I'll just brazen it out and accept it."

She couldn't stay here any longer. She needed a job first before leaving this place.

Lydia was overjoyed and rushed over to hug her, cooing, "You finally agreed! Don't worry, I will make sure my husband gives you a job with good pay and little work."

Helen made a few small dishes and a soup. When she came out, a man sitting at the table wearing a white shirt.

He had a mixed-race face, and handsome features, even more handsome than the world's number one male model according to Time magazine. The sleeves of his white shirt were rolled up to his elbows, and two of the buttons at the chest were unbuttoned, revealing attractive collarbones. He was lightly scrolling on a tablet, and when he heard a noise, he lifted his eyes. His deep blue eyes were unfathomable as he gazed at Helen.

Seeing Helen, he had a cold expression, seeming slightly displeased. Helen was scared by the silence and coldness emanating from him, and she stood frozen with the soup in hand, not daring to move for a while.

Lydia came down from upstairs, smiling as she rushed over and encircled the man from behind, saying, "Darling, why didn't you give me a call when you came back?"

Lydia changed into a pink nightgown, wearing it to combine the playful of a girl with the sensuality of a mature woman.

Richard Brown showed a hint of tenderness in response to her intimacy, but to Helen, this man was still keeping her at a distance. If it weren't for his handsome face, Helen wouldn't dare to take more glances at him.

Helen brought the soup to the table, and Richard glanced at her before looking at Lydia.

Lydia quickly introduced, "Darling, this is my college classmate who is currently looking for a house. Since our home is spacious, I thought she could temporarily stay here and keep me company. You wouldn't mind, would you?"

It was clearly a hint of coquetry, but Helen felt that something was not right. She looked at Richard who looked back, and her heart pounded uncontrollably. It was unclear whether it was because of his good looks or his unfathomable scrutiny.

Richard nodded and said, "As long as you're happy." His expression was indifferent, disregarding Helen as he lowered his head to continue scrolling on his tablet.

Lydia wanted to pull Helen to sit down and have a meal together, and Helen wanted to refuse, but she couldn't resist Lydia's coquetry.

Assuming the role of a good wife, Lydia actively served Richard rice and soup, "Darling, try it. This soup is made by Helen, it's delicious."

Upon hearing this, Richard put down his tablet and glanced at the bowl of soup in front of him, paused, then took a shallow sip with a spoon, and then stopped consuming it.

Lydia eagerly offered to pick up the vegetables for him again, "Don't you like it?"

Richard remained indifferent, took a few bites of the vegetables and lost interest. He stood up and rubbed Lydia's head, "I'm going to take a shower, you guys enjoy your meal."

His manner was polite yet distant, and his gaze was cold and distant.

Helen couldn't taste the food, and worriedly asked Lydia, "Is your husband upset about seeing me?"

Lydia chuckled, "How could it be, that's just his temperament. You'll get used to it."

Feeling uneasy, Helen returned to her room to continue sending out resumes. However, many of them seemed to have gone unanswered. She thought it would be better to visit the job market tomorrow.

The next day, Helen left early, hoping to avoid Mr. Richard.

The sun had just risen, and the butler was already arranging breakfast. Seeing her coming downstairs, he nodded slightly, "Good morning, Miss Helen."

Helen politely responded and headed towards the main door. Just as she reached the door, Richard pushed it open. He must have just finished his morning run, with sweat drenching his t-shirt. Helen looked up and noticed his attractive Adam's apple and strong arm muscles.

As Richard approached, his strong male pheromones filled Helen's nose instantly. Her heart raced, and she couldn't help but step back, avoiding him against the wall.

"Good morning, Mr. Richard," she said.

Richard stood at the doorway, not coming in or going out, but instead sat down to change his shoes.

Helen couldn't leave and had to wait for him to finish changing his shoes. His movements were unhurried, and his long legs blocked her path. He first wiped the sweat off with a towel, and then asked, "Where are you going so early?"

Helen hesitated for a moment and replied, "To the job market."

"Looking for a job?" Richard's voice was clear yet with a hint of depth, very charming, a tone that easily captivates women.

With a few simple and slow words spoken, Helen felt a bit embarrassed. It was a normal thing, but she couldn't help feeling awkward. Later, she realized that it was probably because of her inferiority complex.

Richard didn't ask further, finished changing his shoes and entered the house. The eerie sense of oppression finally dissipated, and Helen left in a fluster.

It was too early, and being in a mansion, there were no buses around, let alone taxis. Helen had no choice but to walk along the road, hoping for luck to catch a taxi. This was also the reason Helen wanted to leave early, it was inconvenient without a car. Lydia used to have the driver take her, but it was too much trouble for Helen's character to inconvenience others.

After walking for a long time, there was still no sign of a car.

The sun had risen, and Helen heard a horn behind her. She stepped aside, and the car stopped in front of her.

The tinted glass slowly rolled down, revealing Richard's face. He was in formal attire, an elegant British suit from the movies. Helen couldn't recall the name, but it looked exquisite and classy on him. His hair wasn't as casual as it was at home, now combed back, revealing a broad and full forehead. He appeared even more unapproachable than the day before.

"Get in the car," he said, but the driver had already gotten out and opened the door for her.

Helen felt uncomfortable, "Mr. Richard, this is too much trouble."

Without even waiting for her to finish refusing, Richard looked down at the reports on his tablet. The driver patiently waited by the door, not moving without her getting into the car.

Helen reluctantly got into the car. She sat very reserved on one side. And all the way, Richard remained silent, quietly looking at his own data. Helen was so reserved that she didn't even dare to touch her phone, only looking out the window from the side of her eyes.

The car was steady and fast, quickly entering the city. She wondered how to open her mouth and ask him to drop her off nearby. But the driver took the car straight to the company.

"Let's go," Richard said, casually handing his briefcase to Helen.

Confused, Helen followed and wanted to return the bag to him, but he had already entered the office building. The driver drove the car away, so she had no choice but to follow Richard.

When they arrived, the security guards immediately lined up and greeted him. The hurried office workers made way and even gave up the elevator.

Helen followed behind him, not sure whether to enter or not. Richard stood in the elevator, pressed the button, and looked at her, "Aren't you coming in?"

Everyone looked at Helen, and feeling cornered, she had no choice but to enter.

There were only two of them in the elevator, and Helen gathered up her courage to ask, "Mr. Richard, what are you doing?"

Without a word, Richard exited the elevator, and a well-dressed man approached. Upon seeing Helen, he expressed some surprise.

"Mr. Richard, who is this..."

"Take her to the planning department." With a simple sentence, Richard arranged everything.

The man understood and took the briefcase from Helen's hands, handing it to a nearby female secretary. He said to Helen, "Miss Helen, please follow me."

Helen felt a headache coming on, but since she couldn't see Richard anymore, she didn't feel as afraid. She turned to the man and said, "Mr. Richard seems to have misunderstood something, I..."

"There's no misunderstanding, Miss Helen," the man said with a gentle smile, his gold-rimmed glasses giving him a polite and gentle look. "Mr. Richard informed me this morning that he would bring you here, and arrange for you to join the planning department."

Mr. Richard didn't say anything about this when they left in the morning. How did she end up getting a job arranged for her?

When Helen returned home, she looked for Lydia. Like someone who had been up all night, Lydia only came downstairs for dinner. Seeing Helen back, Lydia joyfully hugged her and coquettishly asked, "You're back? How was the job search?"

Helen was slightly surprised, "You don't know?"

"Know what?" Lydia rubbed her eyes and yawned, and her loose pajamas slipped down, revealing her snow-white shoulders. She lazily lounged on the sofa, soft like a cat.

"I messaged you, and you didn't reply. Today, your husband took me to his company and arranged a position for me. I thought you had told him to help me with the job." She had thought it was Lydia's arrangement and had been thinking about how to thank her, but Lydia seemed unaware.

Lydia paused, then smiled alluringly, "I casually mentioned it last night, didn't expect him to arrange it so quickly. Now you don't have to worry about work, just do well."

Helen felt something was off but couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Lydia then grabbed her hand and asked, "Where did he arrange for you to work? If it's a job with too much free time and little pay, tell me, and I'll ask him to change it for you immediately."

"It's not," Helen smiled, "It's the planning department, which aligns well with my profession."

"I see," Lydia smiled meaningfully as if she had thought of something. "That's good. I'll ask him to increase your salary."

Helen didn't respond, only thinking about saving up a few months' salary to rent a place to stay. She could repay their gratitude with good work.

The butler said the master wouldn't be coming back for dinner, so Helen and Lydia had a simple meal before Helen went upstairs to rest.

But Lydia was dressed up and ready to go out.

Knowing that she used to love attending all kinds of parties and gatherings in the city, she would often stay out very late. But now, even with her husband returning from his business trip, she still acted the same way, which surprised Helen.

A sense of envy arose in her heart. Compared to her heartless ex-boyfriend, Lydia's husband was simply perfect. Not only handsome and wealthy but also doting on her. He didn't demand the responsibilities of a wife and let her do whatever she pleased.

Was this the script of a female protagonist being doted on by the overbearing CEO?

As Helen opened her phone and absentmindedly turned on the TV while brushing her teeth, the news reported that the local police had found a female corpse in an alley behind the bar.

Helen walked out of the bathroom, staring at the screen. She saw the reporter say that this was the third female body found this month. The police suspected that a serial killer had struck, reminding female citizens to reduce nighttime activities and ensure their safety.

She thought of Lydia, who always went out at night. Could she be in danger? Helen called, but there was no answer. She wondered if she was overreacting. Lydia always went to upscale places, how could she not be safe?

The next day, Helen learned that Lydia hadn't returned all night.

"How could this be? She always comes back no matter how late she stays out," Helen worriedly said, trying to call again, but Lydia's phone was off.

She worried, so she asked the butler, "Andy, where is Mr. Richard?"

Andy replied, "Sir just returned from his morning run, he is in the shower."

Helen worried about Lydia, and couldn't help going upstairs to ask. Just as she reached the door, she heard a strange sound. The wooden door was half open, Helen knocked a few times, but there was no response. She gathered her courage and went in.

"Mr. Richard?"

The sound of running water drowned out her voice. It was a large suite, she walked through the living room and into the bathroom and saw Mr. Richard masturbating from the crack in the half-opened door.

He was tall and slender, with long legs standing in the bathtub, water running down his sexy and perfect body. He tilted his head back, his hand moving faster and faster, seemingly reaching the peak. Sensing someone approaching, he looked up, the door suddenly opened and Helen was exposed in front of him.

Helen was startled and quickly turned away, covering her eyes, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."

She hurried away, even bumping into the table and nearly knocking over a vase.

Richard heard the noise, finished what he was doing nonchalantly, and then came out after getting cleaned up.

Helen lingered embarrassingly at the door, knowing she should go to work soon, but still waited because she was worried about Lydia.

Richard finished drying his hair and saw Helen standing there. He still looked indifferent, his strong aura making her dare not make eye contact as if the awkward person just now wasn't him.

"Do you need something?" he asked.

"Mr. Richard, Lydia didn't come back last night, and I'm very worried about her," Helen replied.

"Never mind, she's at a friend's place, drinking. She'll be back today," he said.

"That's good. Sorry about...the interruption," Helen ridiculed herself for overthinking and meddling, feeling embarrassed as she tried to leave.

But Richard stopped her, and as she turned in surprise, he walked over, pinning her to the wall.

Helen looked at him nervously, and his deep blue eyes seemed even darker. Richard was too close to her, just a punch's distance away. Helen covered her chest, afraid that he could hear her heartbeat.

But Richard crouched down and took hold of her injured foot. It was bleeding, and she hadn't even noticed. His eyes darkened slightly as he wiped the blood away with his cold fingers, causing her to shiver.

"Mr. Richard?" Helen tried to pull her foot away, but Richard held onto it tightly, making her uneasy about his intentions.

He stared at the wound for a long time before pulling a band-aid from his pocket and covering it. Standing up, he remained indifferent as ever.

"Be more careful next time," he said.

Helen dared not stay any longer and quickly thanked him, hurrying down the stairs. As she left, Richard watched her go and then licked the blood from his fingers, savoring the taste.

"It's quite delicious," he said with a meaningful smile.

The spot where the band-aid was placed felt like it was burning. Helen was troubled by it all day long, her mind filled with memories of Richard gently tending to her wound. Just the thought of him made her heart race uncontrollably, even to the point of imagining his hand moving up her skirt and then...

She hurried to the bathroom to wash her face and, looking at herself in the mirror, angrily scolded herself. How could she have such improper thoughts about her best friend's husband?

The pain of jealousy and envy tormented her, and she found herself wishing that Richard wasn't her friend's husband, just so she could have the right to fantasize.

Finally, Lydia responded, leaving a voice message to say that she had been at a friend's birthday party last night and had drunk too much, which was why she came back late.

Helen felt uneasy and hesitant about replying to the message.

"Is the information sorted out?" a voice interrupted Helen's thoughts.

Christine asked her from a superior position with a glint in her eye. Tall and slender, she had a commanding presence, wearing high heels and standing in front of Helen.

Helen hurriedly handed over the sorted documents, saying, "Here they are."

The scent of Christine's perfume was too strong, and Helen couldn't help but sneeze.

Christine's lips curled slightly as she spoke in a condescending tone, "Even though you were brought here directly by Secretary Steven, you should still be more careful in your work. There are spelling mistakes in your proposal. Is your education fake?"

As her direct supervisor, Christine's obvious disdain still took Helen by surprise. However, this was how the workplace operated. Her connections were severed due to her ex-boyfriend, and now starting over, she had no choice but to accept the taunting.

Helen smiled faintly, "Thank you for pointing that out. I'll correct it now."

Seeing that Helen didn't retaliate in anger but instead meekly made changes, Christine scoffed and left the documents behind as she walked away.

The people in the office lowered their heads as the commotion dispersed. It seemed like work, but in reality, there was gossiping in the group chat.

"What kind of background does this woman have to just drop in like that?"

"Secretary Steven brought her yesterday, is that even true?"

"Christine still dares to be so aggressive, when did she become so bold?"

"Don't you know? Christine has had a crush on Secretary Steven for a long time and has been trying to get close to him. When this woman arrived, Secretary Steven used her to keep himself away from Christine."

"Aha, that's funny. It seems like Christine is being guarded against like a thief."

"Who doesn't know her background? She's arrogant because her father is a shareholder. Her boyfriends are countless. She's trying to make a move on Secretary Steven when he's not interested in her."

Unaware of being discussed, Helen got up and went to the coffee room, casually peeking at a colleague's computer. The computer's WhatsApp account was still logged in and had new messages. Her colleague came out of the restroom and quickly stepped forward to block Helen's line of sight.

Helen smiled faintly and said nothing before leaving. She made herself a cup of coffee and went up to the rooftop, where she ran into Secretary Steven smoking.

"What a coincidence?" Secretary Steven greeted her with a smile and continued smoking.

Helen nodded and looked at the tall building in front of her, feeling relieved of the pressure in her chest.

"Are you getting used to the job? Is anyone bothering you?" Secretary Steven asked her.

Standing to the side, Helen turned back and asked, "Do you know that Christine likes you?"

Exhaling a smoke ring, Secretary Steven's attractive eyes and brows chuckled, "I would rather not know."

Helen couldn't help laughing at his double entendre. She hadn't expected him to be so amusing.

"It's all because of you that she's taking it out on me due to what happened yesterday."

Secretary Steven also chuckled, "It's not always good for a man to be too handsome."

The two exchanged knowing smiles, one continuing to smoke and the other sipping coffee.

Helen thought to herself that he had good emotional intelligence, and talking to him made her feel at ease. Compared to his boss, Mr. Richard, she felt much more relaxed.

******

In the evening, when Helen left work, the elevator doors opened, and she saw Richard inside. Others made way, and Helen hesitated to enter.

Richard called out to her, "Not coming in?"

Others looked over with subtle surprise. Helen awkwardly stepped into the elevator, feeling like she was being watched for the second time.

Richard pressed the button for the underground parking lot, and Helen wanted to press for the first floor but didn't dare to.

"Has the wound healed?" Richard suddenly asked.

Helen nodded busily: "Yes, thank you, Mr. Richard."

"How are you going to thank me?"

Before Helen could react, Richard had already made a decision for her.

"Join me for dinner."

In front of him, it seemed as if she had no choice.

The driver drove to a club, and when the receptionist saw him, she immediately greeted him with a smile, "Mr. Richard, your private room is ready, please follow me."

The receptionist was very beautiful, with an internet celebrity's sharp chin and a graceful figure. She was wearing a tight-fitting uniform, which outlined her figure even more attractively. The way she slowly got up allowed people to take a good look at her generous bosom, and she intentionally adjusted her hair, her eyes flirting with Richard. These few casual movements showcased her feminine charm, which Helen found appealing.

But seeing Helen, she seemed a little displeased, but quickly disguised it, "Who is..."

Richard glanced lightly at her without explaining. He just walked in big steps, and Helen followed in his footsteps.

A tall man came toward them, and when he saw Helen, he suddenly stopped and sniffed, saying, "Fragrant."

The way he looked at her was like how one would look at delicious food. It was really about food, not about the desire between men and women.

Helen was startled and couldn't help but hide behind Richard.

The man looked at Richard, smiled meaningfully, and walked away.

Richard said, "It's okay. No need to be afraid."

Helen felt uncomfortable. Right from the moment they entered, she had a strange feeling. Although the club was gorgeously decorated and filled with Japanese style, the dim lighting gave off an eerie feeling.

As the receptionist led them into the private room, Helen followed, but something tripped her at the door, causing her to fall into Richard's arms. As she hurriedly lowered her head, she saw a black snake tail.

Startled, she screamed, "There's a snake!"

Richard hugged Helen and glanced at the receptionist.

The receptionist raised an eyebrow and smiled mysteriously, "Miss, you must be mistaken. There are no snakes here."

She took two steps back and looked at the clean floor along the wall, there was no snake there.

Helen rubbed her eyes, there really was there, she must have been mistaken. She awkwardly stepped out of Richard's embrace and found a seat inside.

The receptionist gave a faint smile to the two of them, closed the door, stuck out her forked tongue for a moment, then twisted her body and disappeared around the corner like a snake.

The waiter served the jasmine rice coffee, which had a delightful aroma. She took a few sips and liked it.

Richard handed her the menu, "What would you like to eat?"

"I'm not sure, you decide," Helen was a bit uncomfortable, she didn't understand why he wanted her to join him for the meal.

Richard ordered several dishes, the waiter left, and then he asked, "Are you afraid of me?"

Helen paused, "Why would I be? I am grateful to you, Mr. Richard, I could never be afraid of you."

"Is that so?"

Richard picked up his coffee cup and took a sip, his Adam's apple sliding, reminded Helen of the morning when sweat dripped over his throat. She lowered her head to drink her coffee, hiding the panic in her eyes. She didn't know why, but she always felt like the man in front of her could see through her thoughts at a glance.

"Oh, didn't you call Lydia?" She tried to act nonchalant.

Richard replied calmly, "She's not suitable for this place."

This was a bit strange reply.

"What do you mean by not suitable?"

"Quite literally, her aura clashes with this place." Richard didn't seem interested in discussing Lydia, but he seemed to have some indescribable emotions towards her.

Naturally, Helen didn't dare to presume that he loved her. After all, compared to the charming and enchanting Lydia, she was just an ordinary girl.

The waiter brought out a plate of sashimi, including scallops, oysters, tuna sushi, and top-grade teppanyaki beef.

Japanese cuisine has always been known for its meticulous presentation, with small and exquisite designs.

It was Helen's first time eating this type of Japanese food, and since it was all raw, she felt a bit hesitant.

For some reason, she always felt that Mr. Richard's gaze carried deep meaning as he looked at her. She lowered her eyes, thinking of him in the bathroom, sexy, hot, with intense hormones that made her blood surge and her breathing quicken.

As she reached for the coffee pot, she accidentally touched his hand, causing Helen to retreat, feeling uneasy.

In that brief moment, a spark flew, making her even more flustered.

Richard calmly extended his hand and poured coffee for her. His fingers were long and fair, with distinct bones at his wrist, exuding a restrained kind of sensuality.

Despite her best efforts to remain composed, Helen couldn't resist the human instinct to desire beautiful things, even as she repeatedly reminded herself of her principles.

She took a deep breath, drank the coffee, and was about to taste the food in front of her when she felt dizzy, saw a double image, and then slumped onto the tatami mat.

Richard sat across from her, calmly finishing his coffee and picking up a piece of scallop sashimi with his fork. It had just been air-flown in, fresh and tender, and this was the taste he enjoyed.

The door was pushed open, and a chef entered. He was a bit thin and bald, and upon sighting Richard, he bowed deeply the traditional 90-degree Japanese bow.

"Sir, have the ingredients arrived?"

When Richard looked at Helen on the tatami mat, the chef walked over, squatted down, and carefully examined her, revealing a satisfied smile, "Sir, this is very fresh and delicious."

Richard nodded, "It has been a long time since I have seen such fresh and delicious ingredients."

"What would you like to do, sir?" The chef was eager to try various cooking methods, believing that with such delicious ingredients, they could create unique flavors no matter how they were prepared.

Richard's tone was cold, "Start by bleeding, and then do as you see fit."

He casually drank sake, the taste between his lips and teeth was quite light, not as strong as white wine, nor as mellow as grape wine. However, it had its unique flavor and went well with the sushi.

The chef clapped his hands, and suddenly, two figures appeared at the door, both with human bodies and snakeheads. They quietly lifted Helen out.

The chef bowed again as he left, and the door was closed, only to be opened once more. It was the tall man Helen had encountered in the hallway earlier. He strode in and sat across from Richard, picking up the cup Helen had used and taking a sniff.

"Wow, it smells so good, where did you find such great ingredients? I can't resist the urge to eat them raw." He licked his lips, his tongue covered in barbs looking eerie and sinister, casting a shadow on the wall in the shape of a tiger.

Richard expressed disgust, "Get rid of that creepy look of yours."

The man paid no heed and continued, "How about giving me a share? It's been a long time since I had such delicious food."

Richard's deep blue eyes seemed even more unfathomable, "Are you brave enough to ask for a share?"

The man trembled in fear, feeling oppressed by his authority, "I...I can trade something with you."

Richard didn't care and poured himself another drink, "Is there anything in this world that I don't have?"

The man was extremely greedy and couldn't wait to reveal his trump card, "Ulysses. I know where Ulysses is."

As Richard's gaze swept over, the man was suddenly thrown into the air, crashing heavily into the wall. An invisible force grabbed his neck, and his large body trembled uncontrollably, struggling to breathe.

"What kind of person do you think you are, to dare to negotiate terms with me?"

"I...I..." The man's words were interrupted before he could finish, his body turned into powder and disappeared without a trace.

His clothes fell to the ground, and Richard glanced at them briefly before someone rushed in from outside. It was the same receptionist from earlier, now nervously kneeling on the ground.