001 Flutter of a Kiss

At the banquet table, it was all about exchanging greetings and toasting. After a few drinks down the hatch, amidst laughter and conversation, only oneself could truly understand the taste within – whether it was bitter or sweet.

When Alexander Gwilliam rose from the banquet table, the sky was no longer early. Today, he felt inexplicably weary. Looking at the faces around the table, some familiar, some newly acquainted, they all seemed somewhat unreal amidst the swirling smoke. Normally, he enjoyed observing these people displaying their unflattering aspects to please him, but today, he had no interest.

He was set to leave!

As he rose, others followed suit, standing up one after another. Tonight's banquet was in his honor. He was no longer willing to entertain, which naturally signaled the end of the gathering.

"Mr. Gwilliam, are you leaving so soon?" One person chuckled.

Alexander glanced at the individual, took his suit jacket handed by a servant, put it on, and without a word, began to walk away. Others, eager to please, hurried to open the door of the private room for him.

Gracefully, akin to a tiger surveying its territory, Alexander confidently led the way with the rest following behind him. The "Dreams and Drunkenness" club where they were gathered was the largest and most comprehensive establishment in New London, offering dining, accommodations, meeting rooms, KTV rooms, saunas, gyms, and more—a place to satisfy all desires, even business needs.

The private room where they had gathered was the presidential suite, highly exclusive, with restricted access. Even the hallway outside the room exuded an air of privacy fitting for a VIP.

As Alexander opened the door, the dimly lit hallway seemed to transport one back to the past. Standing there was a woman, a figure as though emerging from a painting.

Her face was like white jade, tinged with a hint of alluring red, the ancient phrase "white with a hint of red" fitting her natural, effortless beauty. With a small, melon-seed-shaped face framed by cascading black hair—so starkly black against her porcelain complexion—she appeared bewitchingly enchanting. Her eyes were lowered, not revealing their true nature, yet showing a row of long and delicate eyelashes that fluttered gently, resembling a delicate brushstroke. Her nose, as petite as her face, was exquisitely shaped, while beneath it, her rosy lips, seemingly untouched by lipstick, still radiated a vibrant red, tender and tempting as the season's cherries.

Alexander felt a warmth in his body that wasn't just from the alcohol. He knew his drinking capacity, and it wasn't enough to make him tipsy.

The woman was not tall; Alexander stood over 6 feet tall, and she only reached his chest, about 5 feet 4 inches. She wore a white blouse on top and a sky-blue floral skirt below, giving off a fresh and captivating vibe. She still kept her head lowered, her slender hands, like jade, intertwined and seemingly nervous, yet it was unclear what she was anxious about!

Sensing a strong gaze upon her, the woman slowly lifted her head.

Alexander's body trembled slightly, his pupils involuntarily widening.

What captivating eyes! Misty, as if two ancient springs, unfathomable, deep enough to lose oneself in.

Meeting his gaze, she seemed somewhat flustered, her rosy lips parted slightly as if to speak but didn't utter a word, adding a hint of seductiveness that tempted one to kiss her adorable lips and taste their sweetness.

Her eyes were wandering in uncertainty, like a startled deer not knowing what to do but unable to move.

Alexander's lips curled into a faint smile. He hadn't seen such an impressive prey in a long time! Yet, she looked so young… could she be underage?

He barely had time to extend a hand to help her when she stumbled and fell into the arms of a man who had been watching her intently.

The man, seeing this unexpected yet seemingly perfect scene, couldn't contain his joy. Upon realizing Alexander's halted steps, his face beamed with delight.

Hastily, a middle-aged man squeezed out and, within a few steps, reached the girl. With a smiling face, he took the girl's hand. "Annie, what are you doing standing here? Come and meet Mr. Gwilliam!"

Without hesitation, the man pushed Annie toward Alexander. Annie became increasingly flustered, her inner turmoil now visibly trembling. With force from the man, she lost her balance and fell forward.

"Ah—"

She gasped as she fell into the arms of the man who had been watching her.

Alexander hadn't moved to help her yet, but she hastily pushed herself away from him like a startled rabbit, trembling as she profusely apologized, "I'm sorry... I'm sorry…"

Her voice was particularly pleasant, akin to a bird's song, soothing to the ears. With her head bowed, she revealed a slender, fair neck that seemed as fragrant as a lotus root. She held her head low, hugging herself with a mixture of tension and grace.

Seizing the attention of the man, Annie suddenly raised her head, looking at him with astonishment.

Mr. Gwilliam? So young! Maybe not even thirty!

She stood before him, her face barely a foot away from his, enabling them to observe each other clearly.

With widened eyes, she looked at him, seemingly on the brink of tears. He observed her captivating eyes, almost obfuscated, flickering restlessly under her fluttering eyelids.

She's scared?!

Mr. Gwilliam is… this scary?

Annie bit her lip and let out a soft sigh, hesitantly taking a step closer. Meanwhile, the man in the car seemed relaxed, not even turning to look at her. He seemed indifferent, almost indifferent to her presentation. He seemed to give her a choice, but in reality, she had no choice but to choose him!

Shyly, hesitantly, she approached until she was within half a meter of him. The car door opened for her, but the man inside continued to sit nonchalantly, not even glancing at her. He appeared aloof, an idle ruler faced with a servant offering herself, showing no concern. He seemed to offer her a choice, yet there was no real choice for the servant but to select him!

She hesitated, feeling uneasy. She was almost ready to turn around and quickly escape like a wild horse.

But… her father...

Hesitantly, anxiously, she approached, just close enough, less than half a meter from him. As the car door was opened for her, the man inside remained seated, seemingly disinterested. With his profile, he displayed a breathtaking handsomeness—inside out, mature, and imposing. This was the Mr. Gwilliam her father had mentioned, the man she was going to… accompany? He was remarkably more handsome than she had imagined. However, his sharply arched brows, deep and expressive eyes, and attractive thin lips couldn't dispel her uneasiness!

Afraid… she was so afraid...

Fearing that… she really wanted to turn back, then release her steps, and run away like a wild horse.

But... her father...

Hesitantly, she approached, only a mere distance from him. At this moment, the door opened, but the person inside remained seated, showing no intention to stand up or even glance in her direction. His posture exuded an air of indifference, as if it was of little importance whether she chose to enter or leave.

He gave the impression of offering her a choice, yet in reality, she had none.

She bit her lip, let out a soft sigh, bent over, and slipped into the luxurious car. As she sat down, her other foot, barely outside the car, was forcefully pulled back by him. Amidst the tumultuous turn of events, inexplicably, she found herself being pressed under him.

"Bang—" It was the sound of the car door shutting.

Long fingers immediately touched her lips, grinding heavily against them. He smiled, parted the lips tinged with wild beauty, his snow-white teeth moved slightly, and with a rich tone, he spoke, as if ice cubes were clinking together.

"Once you're in this car, there's no turning back!"

His eyes were deep, profound, and crystal clear. The primal desire within needed no further concealment!

She lowered her eyes in horror, trembling lightly. Her slender, elongated pupils, shielded by the wandering, panicky darkness, were utterly captivating.

"Has anyone ever told you that you resemble a fairy?"

Her body shuddered heavily at once, her red lips parted slightly, yet before she could respond, he leaned down and forcefully kissed her lips. He pressed firmly but remained motionless. Her trembling intensified, making her seem as adorable as a virgin. Her eyes were completely closed, and only from beneath those eyelids as thin as cicada wings could one discern the continued movement of her eyeballs.

Was she afraid?!

Alexander chuckled softly, the vibrations from his laughter, upon their lips touching, transmitted to hers, causing her tender lips to tremble as they gently brushed against his. So tender, so delicately beautiful, so adorable!

Alexander thought contentedly: Let's see what John has brought him! A cute little deer, or perhaps, a bewitched butterfly spirit!