Chapter 9 Let Me Accompany You

• Zachary's pupils constricted as he swiftly retrieved the medical kit, using a cotton swab soaked in alcohol to tend to her wound. "Have you learned your lesson now? This is what happens if you make me repeat myself," he said.
• Hazel looked at his stern jawline. "So, what happens is domestic violence, hmm, Mr. Luellen?"
• Zachary applied a bandage, a faint smirk curling his lips. "You're pretty daring, coming in when you know I'd hurt you."
• Hazel gazed up at him. "Mr. Luellen, others may fear you, but I don't."
• Zachary halted his finger movements gently as he watched her wince from the bandage. "Leave, let me be alone," he said, helping Hazel to her feet, but she quickly reached out and embraced his muscular waist.
• In that instant, Zachary's tall and imposing figure stiffened. She was so tender, as if she was boneless, and her face pressed against his muscular chest like a gentle, docile kitten clinging to him. Zachary caught a whiff of her pleasant fragrance, enticing his senses.
• Just then, Hazel whispered softly in his arms, "You don't have to be alone, Mr. Luellen. I can keep you company."
• Zachary's grimacing veins slowly subsided, even the ominous gloom in his eyes fading away. He returned her hug and pressed his face against her soft hair as he felt a sense of familiarity from her bodily fragrance. And perhaps because she had just eaten the Victoria sandwich, he could also smell a hint of fruity sweetness on her.
• Hazel quietly held him for a moment before moving her hand up his strong back, caressing his shoulders. "If you still feel uncomfortable, you can bite." Appropriate emotional release was necessary.
• "Bite you? Are you not afraid of pain?"
• "Dream on, I mean…" Hazel tiptoed and bit his muscular shoulder. She bit fast and hard, catching him off guard. Blood quickly seeped from his white shirt. Her bite caused him to bleed, and she nearly bit off a chuck of flesh.
• The sudden pain made Zachary's muscles tense, and he stepped back with the girl in his arms. Hazel's calves hit the edge of the couch, and in the next moment, they fell into the plush couch together.
• "Mrs. Luellen, is this your revenge?" Zachary pinned her down, the liberating pain easing the haze in his narrowed eyes, restoring some clarity.
• Hazel quirked a brow. "You pushed me, so I bit you. We're even now."
• Hazel tried to get up, but Zachary pressed her down again. Their current position was somewhat flirtatious. Hazel's eyes met his, and in the depths of his pupils, two flickering flames burned. He stared at her like she was his delicious prey.
• "Mr. Luellen, what are you doing?"
• "You smell good. You haven't told me what perfume you use."
• Hazel smirked teasingly. "Mr. Luellen, I already told you I don't use perfume. Your insistence on this matter makes me suspect you're hitting on me. Are you actually?"
• Zachary always knew her eyes were beautiful, especially now, as she stood opposite him, lively and captivating. He softened his gaze and gently kissed the bandage on her forehead. "Does it hurt? I'm sorry for earlier, I apologize…"
• A man as domineering as him apologizing in such a soft, husky voice made Hazel's scalp tingle. What a devil!
• "We're even now, so it's okay, Mr. Luellen. Please let me go," Hazel said, placing her hand on his chest, trying to push him away. But Zachary didn't move and instead cupped her face. His slender fingers traced her cheek and disappeared into her dark hair as his lips moved down from her forehead…
• Hazel's long lashes trembled, and she dared not move. What is he trying to do?
• As he drew closer, their breaths intertwined. Just as he neared, Hazel swiftly and deftly jabbed a thin silver needle into his acupoint. At that, Zachary closed his eyes, falling to her side.
• Hazel stared at the sparkling crystal chandelier above her, closing her eyes tightly. Even a fool could tell he was about to kiss her. She asked if he was hitting on her. He didn't answer and instead seemingly proved it with his actions.
• Hazel quickly opened her eyes. No! Regardless of his intentions, they were only in a peace agreement. She still had many things to do and couldn't let him enchant her.
• With that, she tried to get up, but a strong arm secured her, hugging her around the shoulders. Hazel looked up; Zachary was still asleep, yet in his dreams, he wouldn't let her leave. Hazel wanted to break free, but his grip was firm and powerful, and she feared waking him up and ruining everything, so she could only lie back down.
• The couch in the study wasn't very large, making lying together somewhat cramped, so Hazel had to lie on her side and not take up much space. After a while, a melodious ringtone sounded from her phone; she had an incoming call. Hazel quickly found her phone, originally not wanting to answer, but it was a call from Declan, her dad, alas.
• Hazel lay on her side in Zachary's embrace and whispered to the phone, "Hello, Dad."
• Declan's reproachful voice came through quickly, "Hazel, what happened today? Mr. King had already agreed to invest in Sullivan Healthcare, but I heard you offended him. Mr. King has made it clear: he'll invest, but you must apologize to him. Otherwise, the deal's off."
• "Didn't Julia Litchfield tell you what happened today? If I told you this investment was obtained in exchange for your daughter's chastity, would you still want it?" Hazel retorted.
• At the Sullivan Residence, Julia quickly interjected, "Declan, it's true. I sent Hazel to Mr. King's bed, but Sullivan Healthcare is short on funds and urgently needs investment. Hazel is a daughter of the Sullivan Family and should contribute."
• Hazel sneered, "Ms. Julia, you have two daughters, Sage and Calla. They're also daughters of the Sullivan Family. Why won't you let them contribute?"
• At the mention of Calla, Julia became proud and triumphant. The Sullivans were an illustrious family of scholars and medical professionals. Calla had been gifted in medicine since little and was highly favored and loved by Declan. Calla had also inherited her mother's beauty and was praised as the number one belle of Maritown, a beautiful and talented woman. Whenever anyone saw Julia, they would praise her for giving birth to such a wonderful daughter. This was why Julia had been favored in the Sullivan Family for so many years.
• Growing up, Hazel and Calla were close, and Hazel was exceptionally bright, overshadowing Calla in every aspect. However, Hazel had been left in the countryside for nearly a decade, completely neglected. Hazel had no more leverage to threaten her daughter!
• "Declan, listen to that girl! How can she insult our Calla like this?"
• Sure enough, Declan was displeased. "Hazel, Bar 1949, tomorrow night, be on time to meet Mr. King!" he commanded gravely.