Chapter 112 The Price of Protection\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u0e1c\u0e25\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finished\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett stared daggers at Damian. Though her eyes blazed with fury, to him she appeared about as threatening as an irritated kitten. He couldn\u2019t suppress an amused chuckle as he teased, \u201cDarling, you\u2019re utterly adorable when you\u2019re angry.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
No sooner had the words left his mouth than he leaned in, overcome by impulse. Just as his lips were about to claim hers, he abruptly altered course and instead pressed a kiss against the delicate skin of her neck.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Trapped within Damian\u2019s embrace, Scarlett had nowhere to retreat.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She attempted to evade his approaching lips, but escape proved impossible. When his mouth made contact with her neck, her entire body stiffened, the spot where his lips touched burning as if branded.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finally, Damian rested his chin upon Scarlett\u2019s shoulder, leaning against her without transferring his full weight.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In this moment, their bodies remained pressed intimately together.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett leaned into him, inhaling the distinctive notes of his cologne. It was subtle yet distinctive\u2014a comfortable, classic fragrance that wasn\u2019t overpowering.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After an extended silence, she finally ventured, \u201cYou could have kissed me properly. Why did you stop?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
In that vulnerable position, Scarlett couldn\u2019t have escaped. Had Damian wished, he could have easily restrained her completely.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Damian chuckled softly, his smile laden with unspoken meaning. \u201cYou were resisting me.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett was momentarily stunned, uncertain how to respond.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She didn\u2019t know Damian particularly well and typically considered him somewhat reckless. Yet hearing him voice this observation left her unexpectedly disarmed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After a prolonged pause, Damian withdrew, creating deliberate distance between them. \u201cYou should return home now. I\u2019ll have the new jewelry delivered tomorrow evening.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett began to protest that it was unnecessary, but Damian interrupted once more, \u201cIf you refuse to wear what I give you, I\u2019ll simply continue sending additional pieces indefinitely.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
They maintained eye contact for an extended moment, yet Scarlett offered no further argument.\u00a0<\/p>\n
1\/3\u00a0<\/p>\n
14:33 Sat, Jan 10\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 112 The Price of Protection\u00a0<\/p>\n
After exiting the vehicle, she felt distinctly unsettled.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Damian hadn\u2019t sounded like he was making empty threats.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A\u00a0<\/p>\n
87\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finished\u00a0<\/p>\n
If he persisted in sending gifts, it would only intensify the pressure she already felt.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When she reached Theron Manor\u2019s entrance, Nathan immediately noticed her arrival.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy is your hair in such disarray?\u201d Nathan\u2019s tone carried distinct sharpness.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Feeling guilty, Scarlett instinctively averted her gaze. \u201cThe wind tangled it.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her feeble excuse didn\u2019t deceive Nathan for an instant. \u201cScarlett, I don\u2019t oppose you dating, but you must maintain appropriate boundaries. If you repeat past mistakes, I won\u2019t extend forgiveness again. And don\u2019t be careless about pregnancy. You\u2019re a woman-it\u2019s easy to get hurt. Don\u2019t open yourself to just anyone.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Having delivered this admonishment, Nathan turned and entered the house.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett remained motionless for a long moment before finally stepping across the threshold.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cNathan, it isn\u2019t what you\u2019re imagining,\u201d she attempted to explain, her voice anxious. Yet after a brief hesitation, she added, \u201cRegardless, I\u2019ll heed your advice.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Nathan turned to study her, his expression softening when he noticed her slightly reddened eyes. \u201cVery well.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett finally managed a smile, her voice gentle. \u201cThank you, Nathan.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Uncomfortable with her gratitude, Nathan changed the subject. \u201cClara mentioned missing you tonight. You\u2019re always occupied, and she rarely sees you. When you have availability next, return home earlier.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett agreed immediately. \u201cUnderstood.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The following morning, Scarlett awoke to discover Clara had already departed for school, but a voice message from her niece awaited on her phone. \u201cAuntie, when winter vacation arrives, let\u2019s go skiing overseas together!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Clara\u2019s sweet voice melted the lingering tension in Scarlett\u2019s heart.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She sat on the edge of her bed, replaying the message repeatedly. Yet as she listened, her thoughts inevitably drifted toward Vanessa.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She had raised Vanessa for years, yet never found opportunity to travel with her.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Well, perhaps the opportunity had existed, but she had always dreamed of traveling as a\u00a0<\/p>\n
2\/3\u00a0<\/p>\n
14:33 Sat, Jan 10\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 112 The Price of Protection\u00a0<\/p>\n
complete family unit.\u00a0<\/p>\n
:\u00a0<\/p>\n
But Vincent remained exclusively devoted to Sabrina. There was no possibility he would accompany them anywhere.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Now, both her husband\u2019s and daughter\u2019s affections belonged to Sabrina.\u00a0<\/p>\n
87\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finished\u00a0<\/p>\n
After confirming arrangements with Clara, Scarlett rose, completed her morning routine, and prepared for work.\u00a0<\/p>\n
That afternoon, while documenting patient notes in her office, an intern entered carrying numerous packages.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Distributing the final parcel, the intern approached Scarlett\u2019s desk. \u201cScarlett, this one is addressed to you. I brought it over with the others.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett appeared perplexed. \u201cPardon? For me? Are you certain?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The intern nodded confirmation. \u201cYes, I verified twice. The contact number matches yours exactly.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scarlett stared at the box, hesitation evident in her posture.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When she identified the sender\u2019s name-Damian\u2014comprehension dawned immediately.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Abruptly, the package seemed to burn against her palms.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She contemplated discarding it, but it likely contained something valuable, potentially exceeding the bracelet\u2019s worth. If she didn\u2019t dispose of it, she feared the implications of accepting it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She felt trapped.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ultimately, she retained it. The item\u2019s significant value and her responsibility for its safety decided the matter.\u00a0<\/p>\n
a\u00a0<\/p>\n
1.1K\u00a0<\/p>\n
W\u00a0<\/p>\n
3\/3\u00a0<\/p>\n
14:34 Sat, Jan 10\u00a0<\/p>\n
87\u00a0<\/p>\n
Awakened Housewife Ignore Betrayer\u2019s Begs<\/p>\n
Editorial Board: Our editorial team works behind the scenes to refine each chapter, maintain consistency, and deliver the best reading experience.<\/p>\n
Silent Dreams Never Die \u2014 Author: John Miller 112 Chapter 112 The Price of Protection\u00a0 \u0e1c\u0e25\u00a0 Finished\u00a0 Scarlett stared daggers […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[81],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27476","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-impossible-condition-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27476","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27476"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27476\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27476"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27476"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27476"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}