But later, Geoffrey gained nothing.
Back then, Maureen thought he desperately needed money, so she secretly used her personal savings to support minor projects under the Sutton Group.
Later, she noticed Geoffrey entering venues even her father couldn’t access, and slowly realized he never needed her help…
At the time, she merely thought his company was thriving, unaware of his true influence.
Only now, hearing Katherine speak of him, did she finally understand why Geoffrey once called himself an indis- pensable cash cow…
Seeing Maureen remain silent, Katherine added, “Even if he didn’t scheme against you, where would you get that much money?”
“I’ve saved some over the years. In a few more, I should be able to repay it all.”
Maureen paused thoughtfully.
Katherine sighed, “That man is damn ruthless. Why demand such an impossible sum just to leave you and Steven alone?”
“Has he forgotten how he mistreated you after marriage?
You should sue him for emotional damages!”
“And child support!”
Maureen chuckled wryly, “If I demand child support, wouldn’t that reveal Steven’s existence?”
“That’s true.
He’s got us by the throat. Our only way out is to hustle and write a chart–topping hit!”
“Yeah.”
Katherine suddenly remembered something. “Reenie, why not ask Mr. Burke for help?
7.9 billion is pocket change for him, right?”
Maureen refused without hesitation.
“Gareth’s done enough. We’re friends, but I won’t keep taking handouts.”
“Alright.”
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“Don’t worry–I’ll earn every cent myself.”
During her years abroad, Gareth had supported her initially. But after her depression eased, she’d built her company and music career from scratch.
If Geoffrey could run Sutton Group, she could repay this debt..
A knock echoed at the door.
Maureen hung up and opened it to find Geoffrey, damp hair gleaming, draped in a black robe.
“You’re…?”
“Coming to sleep.”
Maureen didn’t expect him to be so blunt.
Recalling previous times when he’d pulled away after she made the first move,
she kept her voice steady instead of urgent: “Is this really appropriate?”
Geoffrey stepped closer. “We’re still married. What’s wrong with that?”
His fingers began untying her bathrobe sash.
Maureen turned her face away, refusing to look.
Geoffrey watched the flush spread across her neck, his Adam’s apple bobbing.
“Relax. I won’t touch you.”
Maureen froze.
So it’s like that again.
“If you want this room, I’ll sleep in the guest room.”
She pivoted toward the door.
No point staying where she wasn’t wanted.
Geoffrey caught her wrist, yanking hard.
She tumbled into his chest with a thud.
When she struggled, his arms locked like steel bands.
“Don’t move. You’re staying here from now on.”
His breath hitched. “I can’t sleep alone.”
After she’d left, insomnia had clawed at him for months–pills and psychiatrists useless
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until the first night he’d held her again.
Maureen stared, disbelief widening her eyes.
“You’d better mean that.”
“Mm.”
Maureen lay down beside him, deliberately placing a quilt between them as a barrier.
After closing her eyes, she recalled the doctor’s advice before returning to Karaville.
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The doctor said when men lose consciousness in a coma, awareness vanishes completely. To achieve her goal, she couldn’t let him slip into total unconsciousness.
The only solution was getting him drunk. Yet last time she tried to feed him wine, he made her drink it instead.
No wonder previous agents failed their missions–Geoffrey simply wouldn’t let anyone get him drunk.
Today at the anniversary party, he hadn’t taken the bait even when Heather offered a toast.
Maureen realized since they lived together daily, and Geoffrey stayed guarded against her while sober,
she needed to make him lower his defenses slowly before trying to intoxicate him again.
Mulling over this, she drifted into sleep, unaware Geoffrey had crossed the barrier and pulled her into his arms.
Elsewhere.
At Katherine’s home, she hung up the phone, completely oblivious that all her communications were being monitored.
In the adjacent room, Jacob removed his headphones, worry clouding his eyes.
No wonder Mom’s been so drained lately–that bastard dad brought Ethan here.
And now that scumbag wants Mom to compensate him with a dowry?
7.9 billion. Guess I’ll have to sell more leaks on the dark web…
With this thought, Jacob started hustling to earn money.
Private Country Estate.
Geoffrey’s private property from years ago, hidden deep in the wilderness. Few knew of its existence.
Equipped with top–tier security, the entire estate and its two–kilometer perimeter remained under 24–hour surveil- lance.
No one could enter–or leave–without Geoffrey’s explicit command.
Ethan was imprisoned in this very place.
External internet access remained completely blocked.
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Daily, the nanny engaged him with books, building blocks, and other games.
Today, she constructed a miniature house.
“Ethan, look…”
Ethan feigned childlike wonder: “Wow, Auntie is so amazing!”
The nanny beamed at the adorable boy’s praise.
“Should Auntie build a car for you next?”
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