Defiance in the Shadows
"You're a piece of trash!" Lily spat, her voice sharp and fury. She turned her head toward the window, refusing to look at him or acknowledge his presence.
The insult rolled off her tongue effortlessly.
Ethan glanced at her through the rearview mirror.
Her face was twisted in disdain, her expression filled with contempt.
She was the victim here, yet she acted like royalty—too high and mighty to even spare him a glance as if he were something foul beneath her.
He had always liked her face.
But he despised the arrogance in her eyes. The untouchable pride she still dared to wear.
She had already been ruined by him.
What was there left to be proud of?
A woman, once she lost her first time, no matter how beautiful, was nothing more than a used rag.
Ethan's expression darkened, a storm brewing behind his cold gaze. Without another word, he pressed his foot down on the accelerator.
The Ferrari sped through the city streets, finally pulling into a grand estate—a sprawling European-style mansion surrounded by towering wrought-iron gates.
Two uniformed attendants bowed respectfully as the car came to a stop.
"Mr. Blackwood," they greeted in unison.
Without hesitation, Ethan stepped out, yanking open the back door.
Before Lily could react, he threw her over his shoulder and strode toward the house.
Not again.
How could a man be this domineering, this unreasonable?
This wasn't some prehistoric era!
Dangling upside down over his shoulder, Lily pounded her fists against his back, her voice rising in rage.
"You brute! You sick bastard! Could you put me down? Put me down!"
Ethan ignored her completely.
The mansion was vast, its opulent European-style décor exuding wealth and power. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, and the air carried the faint scent of polished wood and fresh lilies.
Several maids were scattered throughout the grand hall, quietly tending to their tasks.
None of them so much as flinched at the sight of their employer carrying a struggling woman inside.
As if this was normal.
As if he did this all the time.
The thought made Lily's stomach churn with disgust.
Her struggles intensified.
"You disgusting pig! What the hell do you want now?! I don't care about anything else—I want the video back! Give it to me!"
Her fists landed against his back, but it was like punching solid rock—completely useless.
How could one man be so outrageously arrogant?
Ethan didn't even break stride.
With a swift motion, he kicked open a bedroom door and tossed her onto the massive bed.
His piercing gaze locked onto her, his tone laced with irritation.
"Are you done?"
Did she really think she was some untouchable heiress?
He had spent years building his empire, carving his way to the top, and no one—not a single soul—had ever dared insult him like she did.
Yet this woman?
She had hurled every vile word imaginable at him without hesitation.
When her body was free, Lily scrambled upright, yanking open her crossbody bag.
In one swift motion, she pulled out a stun gun and pointed it at him, her eyes burning with hatred.
"Listen to me, Ethan Blackwood," she hissed. "You're not going to lay another finger on me. Give me the video, and I'll give you the memory card. Then we're done. We're even."
The sheer loathing in her gaze made something tighten in his chest.
That anger—that fierce, unyielding defiance—
Why did it bother him so much?