Chapter 10 A Bite Mark on His Shoulder

• Hazel was sent to the countryside at the age of nine. She shouldn't have had any expectations for her so-called father, Declan. And indeed, this phone call brought no surprises. Declan was still the same person she remembered, obsessed with medicine, vanity, and reputation, still wanting to glorify Sullivan Healthcare. Now, his proudest daughter was Calla, and she, the daughter who had returned from the countryside, was just meant to bring another family fortune and accompany others to bed.
• "Got it. I'll go tomorrow," she said obediently.
• Her compliance got Declan to soften his tone. "Hazel, you're married to the Luellens to bring them a fortune. Your terminally ill husband will die soon. After dealing with Mr. King, I will find you a good family."
• "Thank you, Dad," Hazel said before hanging up the phone.
• After that, she switched off her phone and closed her eyes in Zachary's embrace. In reality, she was feeling quite sad. She was an orphan. She wished she could have been loved by her parents, living a simple and peaceful life like any ordinary child. However, it was nothing but a luxury for her. She had no family. She was a b*stard without a father's love or a mother's care.
• Perhaps feeling the chill, Hazel nuzzled up closer to Zachary. His embrace was sturdy and warm, offering shelter from the storm for any woman. Her head rested on his chest, and his strong, rhythmic heartbeats gave her a sense of security. Hazel thought she would have trouble sleeping, but in this man's arms, she slept through the night, enjoying a peaceful slumber until dawn.
• …
• When Zachary stirred, it was already the next morning. The brilliant dawn streamed in through the layers of curtains, casting countless yellowish hues in the air. Zachary's eyes were tinged with the drowsiness of just waking up, along with a moment of confusion. It had been many years since he had slept until dawn, yet in this beautiful morning light, he naturally opened his eyes.
• Zachary blinked and reached out to embrace the girl beside him. He knew she had slept in his arms all night because there was still her lingering warmth and fragrance in his embrace. But there was nothing to hold onto. Hazel was gone. Suddenly wide awake, Zachary threw off the silk quilt and got up.
• Just then, the study door was pushed open, and Winston walked in with delight. "Mr. Zachary, you're awake! Ms. Hazel asked me not to disturb you when she left and to let you sleep for a while longer. It's been so many years since you woke up naturally, Mr. Zachary. How did Ms. Hazel manage to do something that not even Dr. Napoli could succeed in? What kind of magic does she possess?" Winston found it too unbelievable. He knew his young sir's physical condition best. He had been worried when Hazel entered last night, but much to his surprise, Zachary slept with her all night.
• Zachary glanced at the door. "Where's Hazel?"
• "Ms. Hazel said she has some matters to attend to outside and will be back in the evening."
• "Did she say where she was going?"
• "No."
• "Alright."
• At that, Zachary returned to his bedroom and took a shower. As he took off his white shirt, he saw the deep bite mark on his shoulder in the mirror, her masterpiece. One could imagine how hard she must've bitten just by looking at the bite mark, which hadn't faded even at this point.
• Zachary didn't head to his office that day and instead worked in the study. In the evening, he checked his watch—it was already 8 p.m.—but Hazel hadn't returned yet. So, he checked his phone; no calls or messages either.
• Feeling a bit annoyed, Zachary was about to dial Hazel's number when a melodious ringtone sounded, indicating an incoming call. He answered, "Hello?"
• Elijah Hundall's voice quickly came through from the other end, "Zach, it's been a while since you've hung out with us. Are you so obsessed with the new bride Grandma Matilda got you that you've started living the life of a family man?"
• A what?! Zachary furrowed his brows impatiently. "Keep babbling, and I'll hang up."
• "Come on, Zach, hang out with us. Vic and I are waiting for you at Bar 1949."
• …
• In a secluded private room of Bar 1949, Zachary sat on the main couch with a cigarette between his slender fingers, puffing away. The smoke veiled his handsome face, only vaguely revealing his furrowed brow, exuding a chilly demeanor.
• "What's up with you, Zach? Why start smoking as soon as you come in? Surely, all the pent-up anger has gotten to you; you need to cool down," Elijah advised while pouring drinks. Then, he pushed a beautiful woman toward Zachary. "Zach, this the bar's newest top girl, still unsullied. I specially reserved her for you. Poppy, it's on you whether you can get my buddy to drink this glass of liquor."
• Bar 1949 has always been a golden mine for men, with no shortage of beautiful women. Men who come here for entertainment spend lavishly throughout the night. Of course, the bar belonged to the Hundall Family. That night, three gentlemen of the four prominent families of Maritown were gathered here: Luellen, Guerra, and Hundall, practically having known each other since they were toddlers.
• Poppy's innocent and pretty face flushed red from being pushed to Zachary's side. That night, Zachary donned casual all-black. Even when smoking, there was a mature and successful man's charming aura emanating from him. Combined with his flawless, handsome face, Poppy would be willing to accompany him even without payment.
• She picked up the glass and smiled charmingly. "Mr. Luellen, care for a drink?"
• Zachary quickly caught a whiff of the artificial perfume scent emanating from Poppy's body, and he glanced at the young woman. "Stay away from me."
• Poppy's pretty face instantly turned pale, and Elijah quickly chased her away. "Zach, you've been celibate for so many years. Do you really have no interest in women? Grandma Matilda has forbidden me from hanging out with you, fearing I might turn you gay."
• Just then, Victor Guerra spoke up, "Zachary, I heard the Sullivan Family has married off a daughter to you, Hazel Sullivan."
• Upon hearing Hazel's name, Zachary glanced at Victor.
• Victor, who was very handsome, wore a pair of scholarly gold-rimmed glasses. He took a sip of wine and then looked ahead. "Guess who's also here."
• Zachary looked up and quickly spotted a slender figure, Hazel, accompanied by a man, the pot-bellied Marcus.
• "What the f*ck?!" Elijah slammed the table. "Zach, what is Sullivan doing, entertaining an old man? How dare she let you wear the horns?!"
• Elijah grabbed a bottle of wine, ready to charge over; the heir of the Hundall Family was the overlord of Maritown. "Zach, I'll teach them a lesson and avenge you!"