Nathan’s heart raced with anxiety.


    She seemed ready to use the ruler on him.


    What had he done wrong?


    Without thinking, he tossed the towel he’d used to dry his hair onto the table, walked over, loosened the tightly tied towel around his waist, and knelt naked on the bed.


    The chilly air made him feel a bit self-conscious.


    He grabbed another bath towel to cover himself, and his handsome face reflected sincerity.


    “Honey, I’ve been on my best behavior all day.


    I really didn’t do anything wrong, let alone lie.


    Please don’t use me wrongly.


    ”


    Lucinda sat cross-legged in front of him and pointed to his arm, indicating that he should extend his hand.


    “My sense of smell functions normally.


    I’m not using you wrongly.


    If your memory falters, perhaps a jolt of pain will jog it awake.


    ”


    Nathan contemted her words with growing confusion and slowly extended his hand.


    A fiery anger zed in Lucinda’s eyes.


    She hoisted the ruler high with her right hand.


    Just before it could descend upon Nathan, he hastily withdrew his hand and said, “I got it.


    Did you smell smoke on me?”


    Lucinda sneered, “It appears your brain is intact.


    At least you have some fear when facing the punishment, and you can think on your feet.


    ”


    Nathan found himself struck speechless.


    He furrowed his brow.


    There was a touch of hurt in his expression.


    “Honey, I had a rough day after the investigation.


    I did light a cigarette as usual, but I honestly didn’t smoke it at all.


    I handed it to Sonny and asked him to go smoke in the corner.


    Perhaps because we were in the same room, the scent clung to me.


    Honey, believe me.


    That’s the truth.


    ”


    Lucinda’s stern demeanor remained unyielding as she astutely discerned a w in his exnation.


    “So, you lit the cigarette of your own ord.


    You only gave it to Sonny when you felt guilty at thest moment and feared that I might find out, is that right?”


    Her logic caught Nathan off guard.


    Was this a strange facet of a woman’s reasoning?


    His frown deepened, and his sense of aggrievement intensified.


    In a fit of frustration, he extended both his hands.


    “Yes, if you believe I erred, you may beat me severely.


    You could even go so far as to disable my hands, preventing me from holding a pen or a fork.


    Then everyone at the National Security Bureau would be aware of my punishment.


    ”


    Lucinda arched an eyebrow and used the end of the ruler to lift his chin.


    “It appears you’re not willing to admit your mistake and even dare to issue threats?”


    She had only intended to yfully tease him once she knew the truth, not to inflict severe punishment.


    She hadn’t expected this response from him.


    Nathan concealed the despondency in his dark eyes and responded “No, I don’t dare.


    If you say I’m in the wrong, then I ept it”All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucinda suppressed a grin as she gazed at his handsome face and the lower part of his body concealed by a bath towel.