This was the first time Quiana Sutton met Evelyn Windsor. She indeed looked like a lady in an ancient painting, serene and elegant. A gentle movement made the painting seem to flow. It's a pity that standing beside her was Durrell Landon, unmatched in the world, making Evelyn pale in comparison. Just based on looks, the two didn't quite match.
Quiana retracted her gaze, glanced at Alexander Skylane beside her who still seemed a bit down, and casually spoke:
"Do you have other places to go later, or shall we head back to the hotel directly?"
Without obtaining the Star of the Sea of Nirvana, Alexander had already lost interest in anything, not wanting to go anywhere else at all.
"Let's head back to the hotel."
She naturally had no objections.
As Quiana brushed past him, Durrell Landon gave her a glance, but unfortunately, she didn't even spare him a look.
She could smile charmingly when standing next to other men, but toward him, she was nothing but indifferent or would merely ask when they were getting divorced.
For the first time, he felt the urge to destroy everything.
Seeing Durrell staring at Quiana's back, Evelyn Windsor inexplicably felt a strong sense of hostility: "Durrell, do you know that lady?"
Durrell snapped back to reality and didn't answer directly, merely giving her a faint glance:
"Didn't you just say you wanted to treat me? Let's go then."
This was the first time since returning to the country that Durrell had accepted her invitation. Evelyn was overjoyed, thinking he was ready to forgive her, and immediately forgot about Quiana.
Between Clouds and Waters.
One of the most famous private dining restaurants in the Capital City.
Evelyn specifically ordered a few mild dishes, and after ordering, she glanced at Durrell sitting across from her. Even though she could remain composed in front of everyone else, she had to admit that when facing Durrell, her heart was pounding wildly.
"Durrell, do you remember? We used to come to this private restaurant often."
Durrell appeared a bit distracted, his thoughts having floated away with Quiana's back, and it wasn't until Evelyn called several times that he came back to his senses.
"Sorry, I have other things to attend to, so I won't be joining you. I didn't attend your welcome party last time, consider this meal my treat."
After speaking, he stood up, ready to leave.
Seeing this, Evelyn also stood up, stepping forward to stop Durrell.
"Durrell... Wait..."
"Can't you even spare me the time for one meal now?"
With Evelyn blocking his way, Durrell felt displeased.
"You're the eldest daughter of the Windsor Estate, don't do things that overstep your bounds."
His words sobered Evelyn suddenly.
When did she, too, learn to cling to a man like other women?
Her pride wouldn't allow her to do this.
So she could only watch Durrell leave the private room.
Sitting back in her seat, looking at her three companions, she still unwillingly asked:
"Does Durrell have someone he likes?"
Charles Foote and Julian Haworth remained silent, but Oliver Gale chuckled softly, speaking ambiguously.
"Who knows."
Sitting in the car, Durrell unbuttoned a few of his shirt buttons, still feeling incredibly agitated.
Even though he didn't want to, he did it anyway.
He pinpointed Quiana's location.
Seeing the coordinates showing Empire Hotel, his expression abruptly changed, and he stepped hard on the gas, speeding away.
Quiana had just finished showering and came out of the bathroom when she heard a knock on the door. She thought it was Alexander and opened the door, completely not expecting it to be Durrell Landon standing there.
She prided herself on knowing Durrell well, but his sudden appearance here left her a bit stunned, "What are you doing here?"
Durrell lowered his gaze, seemingly wanting to see through her.
"Aren't you going to invite me in? Or, are you hiding a lover in the room?"
Quiana: "..."
His accusatory demeanor was unfamiliar to her, yet she didn't stop him, allowing him into the room. Watching him moving around inside, seemingly aimless yet not missing a corner, as if genuinely searching for something, she spoke with amusement:
"You act like you're jealous."
Durrell didn't confirm or deny it, merely replying in a low, hoarse voice, "If you think I'm jealous, then I am jealous."
Quiana naturally didn't take it seriously, sitting on the soft seat by the side, pouring herself a glass of water, and after drinking, nonchalantly spoke:
"Jealousy presupposes affection. Why, are you saying you've fallen for me?"
After searching around and confirming no one else was in the room, Durrell walked towards Quiana step by step.
He bent over, his hands on either side, trapping her in place, not letting her escape.
He looked down at her. Having just showered, she was still enveloped in mist, her porcelain skin exuding a chill even under soft light. Though flawlessly white, it inexplicably stirred the desire in him to imprint a scarlet mark upon it.
"What if I say maybe I have truly fallen for you?"
Hearing those words, the slight smile on Quiana's face vanished without a trace.
"Then here's a piece of advice: never fall for me because I will never like you."
Durrell's gaze fixed on her face:
"If you won't love me, then who do you love? Alexander Skylane?"
She laughed softly; she wouldn't love anyone.
The word "love" was never suitable for her. Since her father and brother passed away, she'd known she could never possess love in this lifetime.
To truly love someone would mean having a weakness, and when that weakness betrays you, you'll sink into an abyss from which you'll never return.
So she wouldn't easily fall in love, precisely because she wouldn't, she agreed to play this game with him back then.
Now that the game has had a small mishap, it should be corrected thoroughly before it drifts off course.
She raised her head, earnestly looking at him, "He is different from you."
Hearing this, Durrell's face changed, "How am I different from him?"
"Be it friend or lover, he'll never betray me."
"You're that confident in him?"
"Of course!"
Durrell had never imagined there'd be a day when anger would consume all of his reason.
In Quiana's heart, he couldn't match Alexander Skylane.
Upon realizing this, without thinking, he lowered his head and covered her lips.
It was still devoid of affection, only punishment, causing Quiana to take a sharp breath, tasting a hint of blood.
Her eyes widened. Although not the first time being kissed by Durrell, it was the first time feeling this uncontrollable illusion.
The metallic taste intertwining in their mouths was like a poison corroding the heart and bones, leaving no escape, only reckless indulgence.
Just then, Alexander Skylane's voice came from outside the door:
"Quiana, are you in the room?"
Hearing his voice, Quiana regained her senses, hurriedly pushing Durrell away and, suppressing all her emotions, pulled him to the wardrobe.
"Quick, hide inside."
Durrell was very displeased, "I'm not a lover, why should I hide in the closet?"