Aspen wondered how Andrew could be so cruel and heartless as to humiliate her like this in front of others. Tears welled in her eyes, but her resolve hardened. Even if she had to endure this monster's savagery, she would never surrender. The moment she was free again, she would end it all. Andrew, oblivious to the storm raging in her mind, brought the belt down hard across her backside. The leather split the air with a vicious snap, blooming fire across her skin. "This is for your defiance," he snarled, striking again. "For your arrogance. For still thinking you're above this!" Each lash seared like acid, pain radiating to her bones. A scream clawed at her throat, but pride choked it back. Instead, a stifled moan escaped, trembling and low. Andrew froze, belt raised. That sound—soft, almost pleasured—was not the cry of pain he had expected. On the other hand, Aspen was horrified when she realized it too. Her gasp had curled into something wanton. Something that betrayed not

Luna was a woman Aspen had once idolized, envied, and dreamed of becoming. As the group approached, Aspen's usual pride evaporated. She lowered her head instinctively and stepped aside. However, Andrew remained rooted in place, still casually appraising the villas within The Sovereign Residences. "I like those two on the west side," he mused, pointing. "Good sunlight, and the layout shows at least some thought. But those three eastern ones? Tacky. Just wealth without taste." Aspen nearly choked, wondering if Andrew was idiot blind. After all, Luna and her entourage were right there, their uniforms impossible to miss. Yet, he kept running his mouth like he owned the place. She reached to yank his sleeve, but the tall officer was already in front of them. "Move," the officer ordered flatly. Andrew glanced over. "And you are?" The tall officer said nothing, simply adjusting his epaulets. The insignia gleamed: Colonel. There was no doubt that just like Luna, he was one of th

The moment Zachary spotted Andrew, his face lit up, being all friendly. However, he bit back the title "General" at the last second, settling for "Mr. Lloyd". Beside him, Ruth bowed her head respectfully. "Mr. Lloyd, Ms. Stevens." Andrew smirked. "Zac, you'd better not be overselling this house of yours. I've got high standards." Zachary hurriedly said, "Mr. Lloyd, I swear on my life. If my villa isn't the crown jewel of The Sovereign Residences, you can toss me off the balcony. Many have been eyeing it, and even Xavier Haywood—that 'Unbeatable Warlord' of theirs—has been frothing to buy it for years." Aspen could not help but ask, "Mr. Fischer… We just saw a tall colonel enter with Ms. Phelan. Was that Xavier?" Zachary nodded. "Most likely. He must've found out I was coming today and decided to show up first." Seeing Zachary's frown, Andrew raised an eyebrow. "Is this a problem for you? If it's inconvenient, we can look elsewhere." Zachary snorted. "That Haywood brute is

"Oh, and name your price—just send me the number later, and I'll wire you the money." Andrew cut straight to the point, demanding the keys. He had had enough of these so-called elite brats—each one so full of themselves. He wondered why they were barking and acting so arrogantly. Zachary did not waste time either. He swiftly pulled out a palm-sized velvet box and handed it to Andrew. "Mr. Lloyd, this is Serenity Villa's jade key. It's not the most practical for daily use. Once you and Ms. Stevens move in, we'll register your fingerprints and retinal scans. After that, you won't even need a key." Andrew casually tossed the box to Aspen and strode toward Serenity Villa's gates, muttering, "Got it." Aspen fumbled to catch the box, her face a picture of stunned disbelief. The most exclusive villa in The Sovereign Residence had just been sold without a contract, negotiations, or even a grand handover ceremony. She stood there, utterly bewildered. Xavier's face darkened instantl

Aspen ran through every room and checked out the front and back of the house. By the end of it, her legs were sore. Even so, instead of feeling tired, her delicate face was lit up with excitement and wonder. "Hey, this place is hands-down the best, fanciest, and most expensive location I've ever seen in my life!" she said, rubbing her aching calves while smiling up at Andrew. Andrew replied casually, "Judging by that smile you can't wipe off your face, I'm guessing you're falling in love with it?" Aspen pouted. "Saying I'm not would just be lying to myself. Serenity Villa is clearly the kind of estate that money alone can't buy. A place like this… I'd say only the top families in Blumedale are worthy of it." Andrew let out a dismissive snort. "Don't put those so-called Blumedale elites on a pedestal. Serenity Villa isn't some heavenly paradise. Just remember—the view from the top is always the most breathtaking. And Blumedale in Gabo Creek Province? That place barely makes it t