Chapter 145

He was insatiable. An hour later, when he finally let me collapse onto the pillows, I was half-delirious with exhaustion. Just as sleep dragged me under, his voice rumbled against my ear. “Victoria… was I good?”

I almost laughed. Men and their fragile egos, always hung up on those few inches of pride. Still, the suite was spectacular. I mumbled into the sheets, “I guess you were alright.”

Jared went rigid. In one swift motion, he flipped me onto my back, eyes blazing. “Guess? Just ‘alright’?”

Too tired to fight, I groaned. “Fine. You were amazing. The best. Happy?”

His scowl deepened, probably because of the grudging “fine.”

The night passed, and morning sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, stinging my eyes. I checked the time. It was 10 a.m.

Jared was in the living room, taking one call after another. His face had gradually shifted into that polished, businesslike demeanor he wore so well. He turned to me and seized a pause between calls to say, “Get dressed. We should head out soon.”

I had brought an elegant, floor-length gown–soft pink, adorned with delicate hand-embroidered birds and flowers. The craftsmanship was exquisite, and the price had been steep. I’d bought it because it complemented my complexion perfectly.

After changing, I styled my thick, waist-length hair and slipped on a pair of simple pearl drop earrings. The overall effect was understated, a far cry from the ostentatious style I’d embraced in my previous life.

Back then, I’d worn my wealth like armor, dripping in jewelry, convinced that anything less than six figures’ worth of accessories would make people look down on me.

Now? If anyone dared underestimate me, I’d dismiss them just as easily. I treated everyone with the same detached indifference, even Jared. In my previous life, he had been my sky, my god, my light. Now? Just a stepping stone for my ambitions, a ladder to reach the stars.

As I turned, I found Jared leaning against the doorframe, idly spinning his phone in his hand. “Where are all your fancy jewelry pieces and designer bags? Forget to pack them?” He eyed my minimalist outfit, assuming I’d left behind the trappings of status in my rush.

I smirked. “Those are just material things. Why would I need them when I have you? You’re all the statement I need.”

For a second, Jared froze. Then his lips curved, and he pinched my cheek playfully. “Since when did you become so smooth with words?”

I sighed dramatically. “What can I say? A woman who doesn’t sweet-talk is a woman who suffers.”

Jared studied me, his gaze conflicted. “You know, it’s strange. I used to complain that you were too bland. Now, I’m almost afraid of how effortlessly charming you’ve become.”

I reached up to adjust his tie, my fingers brushing the crisp fabric of his shirt. “Relax, husband. Your wife is going to make you proud.” I flashed him a teasing smile. “So you’d better take good care of me.”

He caught my hand–the one stirring trouble–and pressed a kiss to my knuckles. “Throwing you into the business world… I worry someone might snatch you away one day.”

I blinked, feigning innocence. “Darling, you’re overthinking it.”

But Jared suddenly pulled me close, his lips grazing my ear as he murmured, “No, the world is harsher than you realize. I suppose I’ll just have to become even more powerful, so no one dares lay a finger on what’s mine.”

I stayed silent, suppressing a scoff. Since when did Jared waste energy worrying about me? Did he actually think I was some kind of prize to be fought over?