Chapter 4 Stepping into his Den

LILY RUSSELL'S POV

“Bro, why is your hand bleeding? What happened?”

“Don’t ask questions. Why are you awake so early anyway? Tell our cook to prepare my favorite dish. I’ll just go upstairs to shower and change.”

“But Bro Wade, your hand…”

I stopped making coffee when I heard his name. After getting drunk the other day, I carefully planned and thought through my next move. And here I am, already standing inside the mansion of the man I hate.

I looked toward where the two of them were. I saw his bleeding hand. It was probably still related to what I heard about him allegedly sending one of his company’s heads to Iran after that person betrayed him. He was looking for a USB. What I wasn’t sure about right now was whether he already knew that I was the one who took what he was missing. I couldn’t help but feel satisfied because I managed to outsmart one of his people.

“This won’t kill me. When I come down, I want the food I ordered already set on the table.”

After I made sure Wade had left, I went out of the kitchen to meet his only brother, Zaid. I immediately smiled at him.

“Can we start now, Zaid?”

“Miss Russell, you can go to the living area. I just need to take care of something.”

“Alright. I’ll just wait for you there.”

While walking toward the living room, I studied every corner of the mansion. Only the two of them live here along with a few selected staff. Wade is careful, so he doesn’t just let anyone into his territory, but his brother is the complete opposite of him. Zaid is much easier to manipulate than his older brother.

When I reached the living area, I immediately saw the piano near the window. I used to love playing, so I didn’t hesitate to sit down and use the instrument. Besides, Wade would be coming down from his room soon. Before he even reaches the dining area, he would pass through the living area, so I was sure he would notice me.

I smirked when I heard footsteps coming from the stairs. I was sure it was him. I just continued playing the piano until…

“Multo by Cup of Joe. Well played, but it would be better if you try singing it while playing the piano.”

Wade sat beside me. I immediately stopped playing and stood up to face him. I acted like I was surprised to see him in his own house.

“Mr. Chilton, what a coincidence.” I smiled at him as if nothing had happened between us when we last met. He almost killed me, for Pete’s sake!

He smiled back. He stood up and walked closer to me. I wanted to step back, but I didn’t. If I avoid him, I would only show him that I’m afraid of him. And if that happens, he will surely use that fear to control and manipulate me.

“Coincidence?” He smiled, then gave me a deadly stare. “Miss Russell, do you think I’ll believe it’s just a coincidence that you showed up in front of me, in my own house?”

I looked up at him when he suddenly pinched my cheeks.

“You’re here to seduce me, aren’t you?”

I smirked while he kept caressing ing my cheeks.

“Believe it or not, I am not here for you, Mr. Wade Chilton.” My smiling eyes suddenly turned serious. I need to intimidate him too.

His dimples appeared again.

“You don’t need to pretend in front of me, Lily. Didn’t you get left hanging last time so you came to my house to continue your unfinished plan? Don’t act foolish. Let me see how serious you are.”

My eyes widened when he suddenly kissed me. He lifted me and sat me on the piano. His hands were both holding my waist. F*ck! He’s kissing me aggressively! This can’t continue!

I forcefully pushed Wade, causing him to bite his lip. He straightened up and looked at me as if he was already undressing me in his mind.

“Isn’t this what you want, Miss Russell? Why act so reserved?”

I composed myself. “Like I said earlier, I’m not here for you. Last time, you suspected me, right? Why did you suddenly change your mind? Do you now believe I only have feelings for you and no other intentions, as you assumed?”

I saw how he clenched his fists.

“If I’m not your target, then who?”

“Miss Russell, we can start now.”

Wade turned to look behind him. I clearly saw his brows furrow.

“Alright, Zaid.”

I smiled when I felt Wade’s sharp gaze on me. I could feel his disappointment. It was all over his face.

I walked past Wade. I was now beside his brother. I gently placed my arm around Zaid.

“Let’s go to your study room, Zaid.”

We were about to take a step when Wade suddenly spoke. I smirked. I didn’t expect him to react this quickly.

“Zaid, do you know Miss Russell?”

Zaid turned to Wade.

“She’s my new math tutor, Kuya. Why? Do you two know each other?” Zaid asked, his eyes shifting between me and Wade.

We were both surprised when Wade suddenly let out a soft laugh.

“She’s just one of my acquaintances. By the way, is my favorite dish ready? I’m getting hungry.”

“Yes, Kuya. The table is ready,” Zaid quickly replied.

“Then why don’t you invite Miss Russell to eat first? I’m sure there’s more than enough food for me. She might not have had breakfast yet.”

My heart suddenly raced when Wade looked at me intently from head to toe. He even licked his lips as if reminding himself of what happened earlier. Does he really think I only came here because I like him? Does he already suspect me?

“Thank you for the invitation, but I’m still full. I already had breakfast before coming here.” I turned to Zaid. “Let’s go.”

“Zaid, when and where did you meet your math tutor?”

“She was Miss Rei’s substitute when she went on maternity leave. I also persuaded her for two months to become my private math tutor, Kuya. Fortunately, she said yes yesterday. She taught us Algebra for three months. Why do you ask, Kuya?”

“Nothing. Go ahead to your study room, Zaid. I need to talk to Miss Russell.”

“B-But, Ku—”

Zaid was about to object.

“Zaid, go on. Go ahead first. Prepare the activities and topics I’ll be discussing with you all day. I’ll follow shortly,” I said with a smile.

“Alright, Miss Russell.”

After Zaid left, Wade suddenly clapped.

“What’s that for?” I asked, frowning.

“Tell me, Miss Russell. How long have you been stalking me? Are you…”

He stepped closer to me again. He grabbed strands of my hair and tucked them behind my ear.

“Are you willing to go this far just to get my attention? Just to get close to me? How…”

I gasped when he suddenly bit my neck. This man!

“How badly do you want me?”

I felt my body hair stand on end. I swallowed while looking up. His hand started roaming over my body.

“Later, after you finish tutoring my brother, you’ll tutor me next.”

I raised an eyebrow. What does he mean?

“Are you joking, Mr. Chilton? What am I supposed to teach you?”

His eyes suddenly turned serious.

“Teach me how to like you, Miss Russell.”

I almost choked on his words. Is he serious? I didn’t expect this ruthless Mr. Chilton to have a side like this.

I laughed softly.

“Is there something funny about what I said, Miss Russell?”

I forced myself to stop laughing. “N-No, nothing. I just didn’t expect you could be so corny too.”

He caressed my face. I pretended to be surprised when I saw the wound on his hand. I immediately held it.

“What happened to your hand, Mr. Chilton?”

I need to act concerned. Even though my best friend warned me about this dangerous family, I will still continue my plan. I will do anything just to become Wade’s girlfriend. And if I have to play with fire, I will. To beat your enemy, you must gain full access not only to his house, office, and private life. You also need to understand how he thinks and how he responds to his emotions. In short, you need to invade his mind and his heart.

He suddenly pulled his hand away.

“This? It’s nothing. Just a small wound. I had to teach one of my men a lesson.”

“W-Why?”

“He betrayed me. Aside from losing an important file, he also stole a large sum of money from me. I didn’t expect he would be outsmarted by a beautiful, hot, and intelligent woman.”

I stepped back from him, but he moved closer. Does he already know I’m the one he’s talking about?

“Do you already know who that woman is?” I asked with a smile, forcing the fear out of my system.

Wade shook his head. “Not yet, but my people won’t stop until they find out who she is.”

“Miss Russell, everything is ready.”

I sighed in relief at Zaid’s sudden arrival.

“Excuse me, Mr. Chilton. I don’t want to waste the money your brother is paying me.”

I turned away from him and walked toward Zaid. I took his hand. “Let’s go, Zaid.”

I heard Wade’s phone ring, but I no longer heard his conversation.

“Dig all the information about Miss Lily Russell. I want every important detail about her from childhood up to her present age. I want her profile on my table tomorrow morning,” Wade said before heading to the dining area.