Chapter 241: Wow, A True Gentleman

Stephanie's judgment of character had never been so disastrously wrong. What kind of despicable person had she been involved with?

Raised by a nearly emotionally abusive mother and enduring a neglectful childhood marked by hypocritical parents, Stephanie presented a cold, aloof exterior. Internally, however, she deeply longed for genuine love, but her guarded nature kept her cautious. Her preference for routine and structure struck Ethan as dull and rigid.

Initially, Ethan’s pursuit was ardent. He was gentle, attentive, and thorough, completely focused on her. Any woman would have fallen for such a meticulously crafted display of affection. The truth, however, was that when one feels perfectly synchronized with another, caution is warranted; the other person might be manipulating them on a far deeper level. Unfortunately, inexperienced in love, Stephanie was completely deceived.

She thought that would be the end of it. With no friends at home and her family’s overbearing concern weighing heavily on her, she drank alone to drown her sorrows. Despite her usually high tolerance, even one drink left her dizzy.

It wasn't until Ethan appeared, intending to take her away, that she realized the danger and attempted to call for help. But her cries were lost in the crowd's noise, and she was too weak to resist. He silenced her and took her to a hotel room. As he threw her onto the bed, tears welled in Stephanie's eyes, and she glared fiercely at him. Her body felt strange.

"What are you doing? Get out!"

Ethan's expression turned maniacal. He sneered as he undressed, "I've played along with your little game of love for so long. You've pretended to be pure and virtuous, but tonight, I'll make you beg me to have you!"

Stephanie's face paled with rage, her uncontrollable blush worsening her distress. Tears streamed down her face.

"Ethan, you bastard! How dare you! I won't let you off!"

"Heh, won't let me off?" Ethan said, turning to reveal a camera blinking red on a nearby cabinet. Stephanie's face drained of color.

She trembled, finally unleashing a torrent of curses.

"Stop cursing," Ethan hissed, "I'm afraid you won't have the strength later. Haha, Stephanie, be smart. After tonight, let's get married. This way, tonight's video becomes our marital affair. Otherwise, are you willing to let the whole world admire your performance, Ms. Nox?" His whisper was chilling. Stephanie gritted her teeth.

[The text then cuts off abruptly. The following section is a continuation from a different point in the story, likely a later scene.]

She watched, nearly hopeless, as Ethan climbed onto the bed and slithered toward her like a venomous snake. She was determined to kill him, yet her body uncontrollably burned with warmth. She simultaneously yearned to tear everything apart and embrace him, a thought that filled her with self-loathing.

Just as her dignity and sanity were about to crumble under his touch, a distinct click echoed – the sound of the door opening. Ethan turned his head, but Stephanie saw a tall figure approaching like a gust of wind.

With a loud bang, Ethan was punched off the bed. Shocked and furious, he stared incredulously at the newcomer.

"Roland! It's you. How could you…"

Before he could finish, Roland struck again, even harder. After a few punches, Ethan's face was bloodied, and he collapsed unconscious.

Roland had been watching Ethan. His malicious half-brother was always up to something, and constant surveillance was necessary to protect himself and his mother. Deportation was the safest option, given Ethan's nationality. He'd been hoping to gather incriminating evidence.

He hadn't expected to uncover Ethan's involvement in illicit drug activities. Knowing the danger, his vigilance had saved Stephanie.

"Bastard!" Roland cursed, checking on Stephanie's condition.

As he turned, Stephanie lunged at him, wrapping her arms around him and pressing her lips to his. The unexpected action stunned him.

Her clothes were disheveled, her composure gone. She clung to him desperately, kissing him and attempting to remove his clothes.

Roland pushed her away. "Stephanie, calm down."

But her strength was surprisingly formidable. She pushed him onto the bed.

"Help me, help me…"

"Stephanie, do you know who I am?"

"I know, you're Roland. You're a good person, so you can definitely help me."

Her hands roamed his body. Roland, inexperienced with such intimacy, blushed. Her attractive figure, fair skin, and gentle scent were intoxicating, and he found himself responding to her advances.

"Stephanie! Do you want to give yourself away so easily? Wake up."

She stiffened, looking at him with tearful eyes. He blushed, trying to push her away again, but she flung her arms around his neck and kissed him.

"I just want a sincere relationship, but why should I go through this? Forget it, it doesn't matter anymore. They treat us like this, so we might as well retaliate. This isn't you taking advantage of me, it's you being courageous. Don't worry, I won't hold you responsible." Acting recklessly in despair, she no longer resisted the drug's effects.

Seeing her determination, Roland was taken aback. But the next moment, as she tried to pull off his clothes, her vision went dark. He'd knocked her unconscious. He tidied her clothes, called an ambulance and the police, and she was taken to the hospital while Ethan was arrested.

"Wow, a true gentleman! I thought things would develop in a more typical way."

The Quirks listened to Isabella's broadcast, their emotions fluctuating. Hearing Roland hadn't taken advantage of her, they sighed with relief. In such a situation, anything else would have been disrespectful. Alexander wasn't surprised; even drugged, Roland wouldn't have allowed it.

"I'm really curious. I wonder what kind of sparks will fly between these two after such an awkward encounter." Isabella couldn't help but gossip.