Vincent pulled himself to look Hailee in the eyes, then caressed her delicate face. After a moment, he leaned over and brushed his lips on top of hers as he muttered,
"Darling, I love you so much."
Hailee's eyes twinkled, listening to Vincent's husky voice. When he is calling her with this endearment, it means everything.
"I love you too, President Shen," she returned affectionately as memories in the penthouse flooded inside her head.
At first, the kiss was tender and his lips moved passionately. Later on, Vincent deepened the kiss, parting his lips to invade her mouth, longingly as if they were separated for a long time and now missing each other so badly, and their way to convey their feelings are silent words through the kiss.
Hailee responded how loving Vincent was kissing her… Soon, their mouths dance and playfully bite each other's lips.
"I heard you accompanied Uncle John to visit the South Harbor warehouse, and everyone likes you."
"Hmm… There will be people who will remain doubtful with my performance."
Hailee cupped Vincent's face and uttered affectionately. "I'm proud of you."
This is how Vincent runs his company. He ensures all employees feel their importance, so he works hard to treat them fairly and equally.
It is what she discovered when she started living with Vincent as his contractual mistress.
She actually learned from Vincent how she should build her relationship with her employees. In the years since she put up her companies, only her executives have gone to meet them.
And so when her contract mistress is over and Vincent, who will be the one to sign her contract soon, she wants to reach out to her employees herself.
But things turned out differently. She falls in love with Vincent, and the contract she holds now is their marriage certificate.
"What is in your mind?"
Hailee was pulled from her train of thoughts after Vincent whispered in her ear while he nibbled her earlobe.
"It was you, President Shen."
"Hmm… No wonder I am sweating, but I never get tired." He and Hailee laugh out loud from their corny thoughts.
"Somehow, these lines are never outdated," said Hailee.
"Yeah. It's always quite humorous to quote it," Vincent concurred, nodding his head.
Hailee smiled, then she went on. "Honestly, I am thinking if something had happened aside from your visit to the warehouse."
Vincent lowered his gaze at the woman inside his arms. He could see that Hailee noticed the emotion he concealed. As time passes, they are getting better at reading each other's thoughts.
"Your knights are very efficient, Mrs. Shen."
"Tell me what happened."
Vincent clears his throat before he shares with his wife how the assassin blocked them on the way home. Thanks to James and Andre, they came quickly.
"No wonder those two disappear. I thought they went to the underground practice hall," said Hailee.
Vincent replied, "No. They went to back us up, and probably I will join them to practice shooting later."
Vincent waited for Hailee's reaction. In the passing months, he hid the fact that he returned to hold a gun.
He thought that if he stayed low-key, he would avoid having enemies. However, he married the wealthiest woman in the world. His dream of having a peaceful and simple life with his beautiful wife and precious children went in the opposite direction.
"Alright," Hailee muttered after a while. She looked at him full of affection.
On the one hand, Vincent actually thought that Hailee would fret after she learned Liam is attempting to kill him again.
Anyway, it's good if she stays calm and is less worried about him. Otherwise, he would not know what to do if something happened to her again.
"I know you are worried about me as much as I worry about you, too. But I want to fight back. I want to protect our family, to protect you myself."
"I understand," Hailee nodded thoughtfully. "Just promise that you will come back to me in one piece."
"I promised."
Hailee lifted her chin and kissed Vincent.
Someone knocked on the door. Hailee's head nanny informs them that dinner is ready, so she inquires where she would prefer to dine.
"Let it be served in the indoor pool, Mrs. Brown."
On their way to the other side of the mansion, Vincent brought up Andre.
"So, is Andre on his vacation?"
"For a week, yes. The couple will start planning the wedding. So, Andre and Jennifer will choose their wedding gown and tux."
"Oh, is my cousin coming?" Vincent guesses. He already heard that Jennifer wants Janise to design her wedding gown.
"Yes! Jennifer and Andre were supposed to fly to Metro City, but Janise wanted to visit us. And guess what? Jennifer will retire from the Air Force as she made a decision to be a full-time housewife. They also planned on having kids sooner. So, Andre told me about something since Jennifer made that decision."
"He wanted to build a store for Jennifer. It is Andre's surprise wedding gift for Jenniffer! Andre wanted our help to design the store. It will be a five-story building. Also, he wants to make a deal with Janise to display her collections, my jewelry, skincare products, and cosmetics!"
"Sounds wonderful."
"It is, hubby! I'm happy! Andre sure knows how to please his woman!"
"How about me?" Vincent asked, fluttering his eyes as it sparks like a puppy asking for attention.
Hailee reached for her stomach as she let out a crisp laugh, amused at how Vincent tried hard to look innocent.
"Stop acting cute, Mr. Shen!"
"Why not?" Vincent didn't stop teasing Hailee until they reached the pool area. The people who waited for them at the dining table smiled upon seeing Hailee in better health now.
Jacob didn't arrive at dinner time, but later that night. The knights reported that the big boss was safe, and they were arriving in Sydney. Hailee felt relieved upon learning about it.
"I'm coming home, Princess."
"I'm glad you're okay, dad. Love you." Hailee felt relieved after she heard her dad's. Now she could breathe.
"Love you too, princess."
While the men wait for Jacob at the entrance, Hailee hangs out with the girls, including Gigi, Jennifer, Doctor Manni, and her mom-in-law Hilda, having tea while discussing Jennifer's wedding plans.
Vincent, Pitt, Tom, James, and his dad, John, anxiously watched the convoy pull over in front of the entrance. It was Vincent who first met Jacob and gave him a tight hug.
Vincent was very grateful that his dad-in-law was safe. God knows what Hailee would feel if something happened to her dad.
Likewise, Jacob feels the same too. He's too worried that the assassin will take Vincent. He is worried about his daughter if they kill Vincent.
"Welcome home, dad."
Jacob smiled, patted Vincent's back as he responded, "Thank you, son. I'm happy to be home."
He also glanced at the young men behind Vincent and his good friend John. Jacob also hugged and thanked them.
"You do a great job, boys."
"Welcome back, Uncle Jacob!" They greeted him.
That night, the men gathered in Jacob's study to discuss the incident in the late evening.
"I can't wait to make them taste how we strike back!" said James. He is the eager one to take revenge as soon as possible.
"Hold your horses, boy!" John scolds his son. "Remember, we take step by step planning to ensure our victory."
"I know, dad. We must know our enemy first. But they are Liam's people!"
"What do you think, Vincent?" asked Jacob. His son-in-law only remains silent. He wondered what was on his mind.
Vincent contemplated. He raised his head when he heard his dad-in-law call him out.
"I already asked Pitt to arrange a few things for me. I'm going to visit our branch office in Northern Australia."
Hearing that, Jacob pursed his lips, then parted into a broad smile. Since he authorized Vincent to command his men in entire Australia, it is up to him what steps he has in mind from here on.
***
Extra Scene: Book Sequel Teaser (Note: The sequel has multiple main characters; both Shun and Vincent's children's story.)
Jackson Suites, North Australia
Director Miller comfortably seated on a leather couch, gazing out at the city skyline and north harbor with dazzling lights from the port and ships, yachts, and fishing boats scattered around the coast.
In his hand is a crystal goblet, containing Chardonnay wine. His gaze lowered to the cocktail table when his phone rang.
Samuel shrunk his pupils upon recognizing the name registering on the caller ID.
"Hello, Master."
"You failed!" shouted the man at the end of the call.
Samuel remained chill even after his master rebuked him.
Instead, there is no trace of fear on his face, but the corner of his mouth pulled up.
"Despite my failure… However, we succeed for the real purpose that we have." Confidently, Samuel replied. He raised the glass in his hand and twirled the content in it.
The person who Samuel called Master narrowed his gaze. He then muttered, afterward a brief silence.
"Enlightened me."
"We let Emperor Xing kill himself," Samuel answered timidly.
The person at the end of the call laughed.
"You are still useful to me. Anyway, do not delay any longer. It is the best time while Klein Williams is in his deep slumber. Carlisle is no match for me."
After he says that, he hangs up the call. It was then that Samuel wiped the smile on his lips.
'Heh. Klein Williams is the one you feared so much… But you forget how clever Carlisle Williams is…' Samuel thought to himself. Too bad his master already ended the call.
'Well, how should I put it? Two souls in one body? For everyone, they call it split personality?'?
"Liam Huo… Vincent Shen… I look forward to witnessing how you would find a way to kill each other."
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