Chapter 3

Blake wiped his hands with a wet wipe, each motion filled with disdain.

At Blake's signal, Lucas clapped his hands twice near his ears, and immediately, three or four maids with downcast eyes came forward. They supported Ophelia and led her into the Oak Haven Retreat.

Half an hour later, Ophelia emerged, now dressed in hospital scrubs.

Blake's brows furrowed slightly.

The director quickly explained, "Mr. Weston, we don't have any other women's clothing available in the facility, so this was the best we could do for now."

Blake was not an easy man to please. If there had been other clothes, the director would have insisted on them.

Looking at Ophelia's long hair cascading down her shoulders, her expression vacant yet still innocent and unworldly, Blake reluctantly accepted the situation.

"Take her away."

Everyone turned to leave, but no one noticed the fleeting glint of dark determination in Ophelia's eyes.

Ophelia was desperately seeking a way out. This man might be taking her somewhere unknown, but as long as she had a chance to leave, she would find a way to escape!

However, Ophelia had no idea that things would unfold in a way she never anticipated.

At Pine Ridge Estate, from the moment Ophelia arrived, she was surrounded by five or six servants who meticulously cleaned and styled her.

There were also stylists, hairdressers, and makeup artists taking her measurements and recording every detail.

Here, Ophelia finally experienced what it felt like to be treated like royalty.

Yet, she maintained a blank expression, not daring to show any emotion.

After all, she was supposed to be mentally unstable.

The door opened, and the servants immediately stopped what they were doing.

"Good evening, Mr. Weston."

Lucas gestured for them to leave, then slowly closed the door.

Blake, now dressed in casual wear, sat on a spacious brown sofa, rubbing his temples with his elegant fingers.

"Come here." Blake's sudden command left Ophelia momentarily stunned.

As she was about to comply, a strong force pulled her towards him, causing her to fall onto the sofa beside Blake.

He narrowed his attractive eyes, scrutinizing her from head to toe. "I forgot, you're just a fool. It's your fortune that you even slightly resemble her."

Blake's deep, elegant voice carried a hint of something that made one want to lash out.

But Ophelia had to maintain her facade of being mentally ill.

If Blake discovered she was deceiving him, the consequences would be dire.

But who was she supposed to be?

Blake's lover?

Blake stared at her for a moment, then leaned forward, resting his chin in the crook of her neck. His warm breath touched her sensitive skin, making her shiver.

She tried to pull away, but his large hand around her waist held her firmly in place.

There was no space between them.

Blake took a deep breath, speaking with a sense of relief, "So soft. After all these years, I can finally hold you again. You're no longer cold and distant. It feels good."

This was Ophelia's first time being so close to a man, especially a stranger.

She felt uncomfortable all over.

Her heart pounded, but she forced herself to stay calm.

Suddenly, Blake grabbed the back of her neck, his eyes filled with a menacing look. "The sound of you swallowing is distracting me."

What was she supposed to do? Let him kill her?

Ophelia wanted to roll her eyes, but didn't expect Blake to lift her up and throw her onto the bed.

Ophelia was used to the hard beds of Oak Haven Retreat and the Hayes Villa. This was the first time she experienced such a soft, bouncy bed.

It was so comfortable.

Did the Hayes always sleep on such luxurious beds? Did they live such good lives?

It seemed the gifts she had sent were not grand enough.

Just as a dark thought crossed Ophelia's mind, a broad figure pressed down on her.

Instinctively, Ophelia pushed against Blake's chest, the proximity making her uncomfortable.

This was the first time Blake heard her make a sound.

A glint of interest appeared in his deep eyes.

Blake's large hand gripped her chin like a vice, pulling them closer. The air between them thickened with tension.

"If you play her role well, I'll treat you nicely. But if you have any ulterior motives, I won't let you off. Understand?" Blake saw a flash of confusion in Ophelia's eyes and chuckled.

His low laugh resonated in his chest, tickling her ears.

Ophelia grabbed Blake's hands, pressing down on her. If he pushed any further, she wouldn't be able to breathe. And he was laughing—what an idiot.

But who was this "her" Blake mentioned?

It sounded like a lover, but something felt off.

Blake seemed to depend on and cherish this person a lot.

Could it be a woman he loved but couldn't have?

Hope sparked in Ophelia's heart. If it was unrequited love, she wouldn't have to sleep with him. Just staying by his side and talking would be enough.

Maybe, she could even save up some money.

Then she could make her escape!

This villa was amazing. If she could ever build one like this, it would be perfect.

She wanted to claim it for herself.

While Blake thought Ophelia was lost in thought, she was already planning her future.

At that moment, there was a knock on the door.

It was Lucas, the man who had accompanied them to Oak Haven Retreat. She recognized his voice.

"Mr. Weston, the Hayes Consortium called. It seems something happened at Mr. Hayes' home. They're eager to collaborate with us to divert the crisis."

"I knew it. That man seemed unreliable. What happened at his place?"

"Apparently, something was stolen. They're keeping it under wraps, so we haven't found out yet. Mr. Weston, there's another matter. Emily from the Hayes family wants to meet you."

This request for a meeting was clearly to save her family.

Blake had no interest in dealing with irrelevant people's crises.

Blake raised an eyebrow, and Lucas understood his stance. After a few more words, Lucas turned and left.

But from the moment Lucas appeared, Ophelia seemed uneasy.

Blake looked down at her. "What? Do you know him?"

It was a casual remark, but it made Ophelia's heart race.

To avoid suspicion, she sat up and looked at Blake with a confused expression. "What's that? Can I eat it?"