“Get off me!”

The deep voice was filled with suppressed rage. Alexander Westwood, who was usually untouchable, was pinned down on the couch, his black shirt unbuttoned. The corners of his eyes, beneath his glasses, were tinged with red.

“I won’t!”

Jane Lang bit her lip, her actions becoming bolder.

“Why are you rejecting me? Is it not working?”

Before she could finish, Alexander’s dark eyes deepened even more. His grip on her tightened, as though he intended to crush her. “Jane Lang!”

In a swift motion, he flipped them over, switching their positions. His slender fingers encircled her pale neck. “Have I been too lenient with you? Hmm?”

His voice was calm, but it sent chills down her spine.

“Alexander…”

Jane’s eyes showed no hesitation as her delicate arms reached up, pulling him toward her. “If you kick me out like this, I’ll call my brother and tell him you bullied me.”

Her voice was soft, a mix of seduction and challenge.

There was something bewitching about it.

Her curly hair cascaded over her shoulders, and in this position, a few strands had wrapped themselves around Alexander’s shirt, teasing his chest.

She used to call him "brother" so sweetly.

Now, the name "Alexander" rolled off her tongue effortlessly.

He stared at her in silence, his eyes sharp.

Jane had been saved by Alexander and her brother, Liam Summers, five years ago during a mission. Her parents had died in that same incident, and at just fifteen years old, Jane had been taken in by the Summers family, becoming Liam’s adopted sister.

Later, Liam returned to his unit, and Alexander retired.

The Lang family business also changed hands overnight.

Jane, at the time, was in poor mental health, unable to trust anyone around her. The Summers parents, unsure of how to help, eventually entrusted Jane to Alexander’s care under Liam’s suggestion.

Everyone knew that Alexander had a sharp mind and wasn’t particularly patient with others, especially not with a teenage girl.

Yet, three years passed.

Jane didn’t return to the Summers household until after her 18th birthday, finally back to her lively and sweet self. And today, on her 20th birthday, the Summers family was throwing a grand party, inviting half the eligible bachelors of the city.

It was no secret that the Summers family was facing financial troubles.

It seemed they were hoping that their adopted daughter could repay them for their kindness by accepting an arranged marriage.

“But you’ve taken care of me the longest. If I owe anyone, it’s you,” Jane whispered, her eyelashes fluttering as she moved closer to him, half pleading and half threatening.

“Alexander, if you don’t help me get out of this marriage, I’ll tell them you’ve been forcing me this whole time.”

She was only twenty and had no desire to marry a stranger.

No one could compare to him.

Alexander narrowed his cold eyes, scrutinizing her as if he could see straight into her soul.

In those tear-filled eyes, there was a well-hidden fear and desperation.

This little fox… could she really be afraid?

Hah.

He released his grip and started to rise, but Jane clung to him tightly. He remained still and spoke coldly, “You could just tell Liam you don’t want to marry. Wouldn’t that be easier?”

Jane shook her head. “I can’t.”

If it weren’t for Liam saving her, she’d be long dead.

Over the past few years, her adoptive parents had treated her well, even during the three years she lived with Alexander. They always showed concern and made sure she had the best of everything.

How could she refuse when they asked her to save the family by marrying?

Jane was grateful to them. She couldn’t say no.

But she didn’t want to marry, either.

“If you don’t want to speak, then act instead?” Alexander’s breath was no longer as calm as usual. He glanced at the girl below him, her bare shoulder exposed, and almost laughed in disbelief. “Is this how I taught you to disrespect yourself?”

After her parents passed, Jane had been sheltered. When Alexander first started caring for her, she was naive, still in her adolescence. He had taught her many things.

But in the end, it was this little girl who managed to outwit him.

“You’re not like anyone else…”

Jane muttered softly, her heart pounding despite her efforts to seem calm. She gathered her courage and planted a soft kiss on his lips, both pitiful and alluring. “Besides, aren’t you and my brother close? Can’t you help the Summers family, and help me, just this once?”