Chapter 16: Subduing Claire

Tonight, Claire was dressed seductively.

Her hair styled in voluminous waves, a tight-fitting bodycon dress, and short heels, all topped off with a hint of perfume.

With her exquisite makeup, she looked like an influencer.

As the evening darkened, Claire stood at the entrance of the New Era Furniture store, hugging her arms tightly.

She was dressed to impress, but now she was freezing, especially after the rain.

Claire was annoyed. She had been told that someone would pick her up to go to Alexander's house today, but after waiting all afternoon, no one showed up.

"Damn it, I should've worn thicker stockings!"

Despite her frustration, her longing for a luxurious lifestyle kept her patient.

As she glanced around, a Range Rover pulled up in front of her.

The window rolled down, revealing Jack's face.

"Get in."

Claire hesitated for a moment, "Is this Alexander's car?"

Jack shook his head, "It's mine."

Instantly, Claire's irritation melted away.

Even if the car was second-hand, it would still be worth several hundred thousand at the very least.

If even Alexander's subordinates drove such high-end cars, it meant Alexander wasn't just any rich kid—he was a generous one!

Amidst the envious glances of her colleagues working overtime inside New Era Furniture, Claire happily slipped into the back seat.

She relished the feeling of luxury.

The car started, heading toward Alexander's small courtyard.

The air in the old town was crisp after the rain, but Claire loathed the muddy roads.

Thankfully, Alexander was building a European-style mansion—living there in the future would be much more comfortable.

She quickly pulled out a small mirror to touch up her makeup, blowing a playful kiss at her reflection.

This didn't go unnoticed by Jack, who was stealing glances at Claire, swallowing hard.

Before long, the car pulled up in front of Alexander's courtyard.

Jack got out to open the door for Claire, nearly overwhelmed by the scent of her perfume.

Biting his lip, Jack, driven by desire and risking Alexander's wrath, said:

"Sis, if you leave now, there's still time."

Claire shot him a disdainful look.

Alexander was nothing more than a fledgling. How much of a threat could he really pose?

She had been through far more than he could ever imagine.

Once she had Alexander in her grasp, Jack would be no more than her errand boy.

Without even acknowledging him, she raised her head and strutted into the courtyard, her waist swaying provocatively.

As Claire disappeared from sight, Jack angrily slapped himself, fear creeping into his heart.

"Damn it, I can get any woman I want! Why am I letting this one mess with my head?"

He muttered to himself before getting back into the car, nervously eyeing the gate. He could already hear the sound of Alexander opening the wooden door.

Inside the courtyard, a table was set up, a few dishes neatly arranged on it, along with a bottle of sweet red wine.

At Alexander's invitation, Claire sat down, looking up at the strange tree bearing unusual fruits.

What a peculiar tree, and the fruits—she had never seen anything like them before.

She had no idea what kind of plant it was, but it must have been expensive.

Alexander poured her a glass of wine, "I remember you used to drink this often."

Claire couldn't help but feel a surge of joy.

Not only was it her favorite wine, but all the dishes on the table were ones she loved as well.

It seemed Alexander had been paying close attention to her over the past three years. He must definitely have feelings for her.

With a shy smile, Claire teased:

"Little brother is so attentive to his big sister, huh? Ah, but big sister hasn't been as considerate towards you. I don't even know what business your family is in."

Alexander smiled faintly, "My parents were eaten by monsters when I was very young."

Claire was momentarily stunned.

Was he avoiding the topic? Could he be upset about how she treated him at the company?

Under the table, Claire extended her leg, her high heel brushing against Alexander's calf.

Leaning on the table, her heavy chest resting on it, she gazed at him with sultry eyes, her voice dripping with seduction:

"Big sister will make sure to understand you better in the future, okay?"

This was a blatant attempt at seduction.

Claire's current demeanor would have been enough to captivate most young men.

However, Alexander subtly pulled his leg away and stood up, smiling as he said:

"You may not know much about me, but I know a lot about you."

Claire blinked her eyes slowly, not fully understanding.

Alexander spoke, "Your boyfriend in high school—his name was Peter Lee, right? You even got into trouble with the police because of those explicit photos. Later, a businessman helped you settle the matter."

"After being that businessman's mistress for two years, you got caught in bed by his wife. They took back the house and car he gave you, which is why you ended up sharing an apartment with me."

Claire's face turned pale as she stood there, stunned. She stammered, "How... how do you know all of this?"

That scandal from years ago had already been buried. Other than herself, the logistics boss, and a few officers at the police station, no one else should have known.

How did Alexander know?

This was thanks to Rosie. She had copied the entire police station database, and she had also hacked into Claire's phone.

Alexander glanced at Claire, his eyes cold. "I also know you're in trouble right now."

All of Claire's previous seductive confidence vanished, leaving only panic on her face. "What... what else do you know?"

Alexander continued, "There's a man named Sam Neri, a department head at the East District Police, right?"

Hearing this, Claire's face went through a series of color changes—pale, then flushed, then pale again.

A few days ago, Sam Neri had come to the New Era Furniture store for a renovation job. His stingy and arrogant attitude had irritated Claire.

He had even hinted that if she spent the night with him for a "deep conversation," he'd sign the contract right away.

Claire had been amused.

It was only a contract worth seventy to eighty thousand, with a commission of just a few thousand. That wasn't nearly enough for her to sell herself.

So, she politely refused.

But Sam had taken offense. He went back to the police station, dug up dirt on Claire, including one of her old explicit photos.

He had been blackmailing her ever since, threatening to make her his personal toy and demanding five thousand a month in hush money.

Claire had been feeling desperate, planning to latch onto Alexander for protection.

But now?

Alexander knew everything. Why would he still be interested in a woman with her kind of history?

Suddenly, a thought crossed Claire's mind. She stood up and pressed her curvy body against Alexander's back like a snake.

She breathed softly into his ear, "Since you already know everything, little brother, you must have called me here for a reason. I get it. I'll be your mistress. I won't interfere in your life."

Her voice was sweet and seductive, like ripples on water, like embers sparking a deep desire.

Alexander gently pushed Claire away and shook his head. "I can help you, but not like this. If that's all you're after, even Jack could do that for you."

Claire looked at him in confusion, not understanding his meaning.

Alexander reached up and plucked a fruit from the strange tree in the courtyard, offering it to Claire.

"Didn't that fool at the door already warn you? If you leave now, you still have a chance. But you've chosen this path, and now there's no turning back."

"Eat this fruit, and I'll solve all your problems. I can give you wealth, but you must be loyal to me."

Claire had been involved with shady groups in the past and knew the methods those gang leaders used to control their subordinates with drugs.

Was this strange fruit one of those substances?

Forcing a smile, she said, "I'll be very obedient... there's no need for this, right?"

Alexander's face darkened, his expression cold and dangerous. "What do you think?"

Claire hesitated for a moment, her face betraying a brief struggle, but then she frowned and reluctantly bit into the fruit.

What else could a man do to control a woman?

In the end, it was nothing more than a possessive urge.