The Lamb to the Slaughter

Zuri took a sip of tea, maintaining a calm demeanor while a tempest brewed beneath her composed surface.

Meanwhile, Rhea felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as she settled into the luxury car. The man beside her, though older and average-looking, displayed a gentlemanly charm that she found appealing.

"Where do you live?" he asked.

"I... I..." Rhea hesitated to reveal her home address.

Miles, sensing her reluctance, suggested, "Why not come to my place instead?"

"Okay," Rhea agreed, nodding.

Later, in the bathroom, Rhea wrapped herself in a towel and emerged, shyly lowering her gaze when she met Miles's eyes. He looked at the naive and obedient young lamb before him, feeling a tingling in his hands.

"Get some rest. See you tomorrow," he said, leaving her surprised.

Rhea stood there, stunned by the closed door. Did he really just leave like that? Was she not attractive enough for him? She spiraled into self-doubt but soon reassured herself. If he didn't like her, he wouldn't have brought her home. She concluded that Miles was a gentleman, a good person.

In his study, Miles watched the delicate young woman on the screen, feeling an increasing urge. He toyed with her ID card, noting her address in a slum on the outskirts. Despite the temptation, he decided to be cautious and ordered his men to investigate how she got into the party and who she was connected to.

Over the next two days, Rhea stayed at Miles's villa, half-heartedly resisting. She enjoyed the pampered life she had always dreamed of, where everything was done for her.

Miles watched her run in the yard, his hands itching with anticipation. She called to him, inviting him to join her, but he was interrupted by a phone call. He waved her off and answered it.

"Mr. Cheng, we've discovered that the invitation was given to her by Miss Lin. They used to be good friends," the voice on the phone reported.

"Good friends?!" Miles frowned.

"If this woman has ties to Zuri, we'll have to let her go."

"They used to be friends, but not anymore. Recently, she framed Miss Lin on behalf of the Liu family. Their relationship is strained. She begged for the invitation. Her family is poor; her father is bedridden and near death, and her brother is a drifter. It's safe to proceed."

Miles's face lit up with a cold smile as he looked at the little lamb not far away. Finally, he could indulge himself.

He spent the afternoon with Rhea, who was delighted by his company, unaware of his true intentions. As night fell, she was led to a large bathroom. The maid left, locking the door behind her, startling Rhea.

"Mr. Cheng, where are you?" she called out, looking at the massive bathtub.

Miles emerged from the shadows and grabbed her from behind.

"Ahhh!"

Rhea screamed in terror.

"It's me, Rhea," Miles whispered in her ear.

She struggled at first but quickly relaxed. She knew this day would come.

"Darling, I really like you. I liked you from the moment I saw you. Will you stay with me?" Miles's confession caught her off guard, making her both nervous and happy.

She had been waiting for this moment. To keep her current lifestyle, she needed to stay with him officially.

"Yes," she replied without hesitation.

Miles smiled. "Rhea, I will take good care of you. Will you always stay by my side?"

"Yes."

"Rhea is such a good girl. I want you to do something for me. Will you?"

"What is it?"

"Promise me first," he said with a pampered smile.

Rhea felt a pang of fear at his look, like a predator eyeing its prey. But she dismissed it as a misunderstanding. Cheng was a gentleman, not a monster.

"I promise. What do you want me to do?" she asked, trying to be coquettish.

"I want to watch you take a bath," he said with an exasperated yet indulgent tone.

Rhea sighed with relief, thinking it was no big deal. If she was to be his woman, bathing in front of him was inevitable.

She freed herself from his embrace and walked to the bathtub, stepping in. Miles watched her intently, his smile growing increasingly sinister.

Rhea tried to seduce him, but when he didn't react, she got frustrated.

"Cheng, the tub is big enough for two. Want to join me?" she invited, blushing.

Miles softly said, "Alright."

He moved towards her, and in her nervous anticipation, she didn't realize she was inviting a demon.

"Ahhh!"

Her scream echoed through the quiet villa.

"Please let me go. If I don't return, my family will come looking, and your secret will be exposed. You don't want your reputation ruined, right?" she pleaded, trying to make him release her.

But her naivety was laughable. Someone like him wouldn't act without preparation. He was careful with each prey, ensuring nothing could go wrong, allowing him to continue his depraved lifestyle.

"Don't worry. Your father is near death, and your useless brother will think you ran away. No one will care."

Every word he said struck fear into Rhea.

"My good friend is Miss Lin," she desperately tried to leverage Zuri's name.

"Please let me go. I won't say a word. I promise," she begged.

Miles laughed, pulling her hair painfully. "I know all about your relationship with Miss Lin. Behave, make me happy, and maybe I'll let you go," he mocked.

Rhea realized she had invited the devil himself.