1 suddenly stood up on my tiptoes, and threw myself into his embrace. My arms wrapped tightly around his waist.


    "Such enthusiasm? He seemed pleased, rubbing the back of my head." Have you thought about what you needed to think about?"


    "I have." As I spoke, my gaze swept over to Ryan, who was standing at the door with a stern expression.


    Before I could say anything, Ryan''s well-defined fingers tapped lightly on the door. "Honey, it''s time to go home."


    "I''ll handle it." Frank patted my head, gently releasing me and turning to leave.


    "Frank!" I called out to him. He seemed to sense something, his lean body stiffening slightly, but he still responded, "Yeah? What''s up?"


    I dared not look into his eyes. Summoning all my strength, I said as casually as possible, "He''s here to pick me up."


    He pursed his lips, but he wasn''t smiling. His tone bewildered. "What did you say?"


    "I''ve had enough fun. I need to go back to being Mrs. Frost." I shrugged nonchntly. "Frank, let''s go our separate ways."


    I cruelly left him behind, just as Ryan had left me in the basement that night.


    Ryan wrapped his arm around my shoulders as we left.


    We looked like a loving couple.


    The moment the elevator doors closed, I pulled away from him and took a step back. "Ryan, this month doesn''t include sleeping together, right?" The words were so unsavory.


    Yet I remained calm, as if discussing business with a client.


    "Of course..." He pulled out a disinfecting wipe, cleaning my fingers one by


    one it doesn''t include that


    Meeting his gaze, I continued, ''I won''t be moving into the Frost family''s residence, nor will I live with you."


    Are you doing this for him?" His brows showed a hint of mockery. "Then what obligations do you, as Mrs. Frost, n to fulfill?"


    "Such resting at home for the mistress?" I said indifferently.


    Ryan''s face turned cold all of a sudden: The elevator doors opened, and he pulled me by the wrist, striding out and quickly shoving me into the car. "Charlotte, does being Mrs. Frost mean nothing to you anymore?"


    I moved away from him. "It still does."


    The man''s expression softened slightly. Just as he was about to speak, I said quietly. "A shackle."


    The dream I once longed for:


    The person I wanted to hold on to.


    The identity that once thrilled me.


    Now all felt like shackles.


    They bound me so tightly that even breathing was difficult.


    Ryan was stunned, as if struck by lightning. After a moment, he calmed down and instructed the driver, "Go home."


    "I said I''m not going to the Frost family''s residence."


    His voice was harsh. "You don''t get a say."


    "Are you threatening me with Frank?"This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    "You could put it that way."


    "Fine then."


    I knew how to provoke him, staring at him and emphasizing each word as I said, "As long as you stop making things difficult for him, I''ll do whatever your


    want!


    His veins bulged, and he sneered. "Are you willing to sleep with me as well?"


    I smiled slightly and said softly, "Ryan, If you want to kill me, that''s also possible.


    His eyes turned red instantly. He reached out to touch my head, but his hand froze mid-air due to me backing away instinctively.


    I ignored him, turning my gaze to the window.


    The night was dark and foreboding.


    Scenes from earlier shed through my mind.


    Frank had held onto me, his fingertips were cold.


    He asked, "Is someone threatening you? Charlotte, I warn you, you can do whatever you want, but don''t be foolish."


    He wouldn''t let go. "Charlotte, Charlotte..."


    I felt somewhat dazed, as if I could hear nasal sounds.


    I said, "You''re overthinking it. Frank, I''m already Mrs. Frost. Couples have arguments and make up. You''ll understand once you''re married."


    His gaze darkened with anger as if he wanted to devour me, but his face remained smiling, and he mocked, "Want me to get married? You really want me to get married?"


    "Yes, you''re three years older than me. You should get married. When the timees, both Ryan and I will give you an expensive wedding gift!"


    Ryan was surprisingly faithful to his word. Within a couple of days, the illegitimate son of the Smith family withdrew from the Smith Group headquarters.


    Sir Smith had not yet been discharged from the hospital.


    Frank''s life seemed to have slowly returned to normal.


    He quickly secured several major projects, moving fast and decisively.


    C