He Married Me For Duty, I Said No This Time

Chapter 4

Violet's surprise lasted only a second. She quickly composed herself, looked away, and didn't spare Sherry another glance.

At this point, nothing had happened to the Hall family yet. Sherry's father still held a powerful government position. As the daughter of a prominent family, attending a garden party at the Winston mansion was perfectly normal.

Violet deliberately kept her distance. Sherry, however, walked over on her own.

"So you're Miss Violet Ross, the girl who's engaged to Adrian. I have to admit, you really are beautiful."

Violet returned the smile politely. "You're very beautiful yourself, Miss Hall."

Sherry sighed softly, a trace of carefully manufactured sadness filling her eyes.

"Looks don't really mean much. Honestly, I admire you. You were willing to gamble your reputation. At least it got you engaged to the heir of the Winston family. I guess you got exactly what you wanted."

Her voice was gentle. Every sentence, however, carried a hidden barb.

Violet studied the young woman standing before her. She was nothing like the obedient, harmless woman she'd known in her previous life, the one who had always appeared humble and never fought for anything.

So this was the real Sherry.

Violet smiled faintly. Then she deliberately raised her voice just enough for everyone nearby to hear.

"There's been a misunderstanding. Adrian and I have never been officially engaged. And he doesn't have feelings for me. So please don't get the wrong idea, Miss Hall."

The garden fell noticeably quieter. Every young woman nearby turned toward Violet in surprise. No one had expected her to say something like that so openly.

The entire party was filled with fake smiles and empty pleasantries. Violet had long since grown tired of it.

"I'm not very comfortable in crowded social gatherings. I'll head back now."

She turned to leave. Just as she reached the garden exit, Wendy hurried after her and gently caught her arm.

"Violet, I'm so sorry. I had no idea Sherry would say something so insensitive. Please let me apologize on her behalf."

Seeing the sincerity on Wendy's face, Violet paused for a moment before answering calmly.

"It's okay. I don't mind. I'm just not very good at dealing with large groups of people."

Wendy immediately turned to two housemaids. "Escort Miss Ross back to the backyard through the side gate. There are too many people in the garden. I don't want anyone accidentally bumping into her."

Violet nodded. "Thank you."

She followed the two maids down the side path.

After walking for more than ten minutes, the surroundings became increasingly deserted. The main mansion had completely disappeared from sight.

Violet frowned. Something wasn't right. She stopped walking.

The next second, a greasy, disgusting laugh came from behind her.

"Miss Ross. Long time no see."

*****

At the same time, Adrian had just returned from the office. He was carrying a gift Wendy's fiancé had asked him to deliver to her in the garden.

As he passed the rock garden, he suddenly heard Wendy muttering to herself with unmistakable satisfaction.

"Violet's only redeeming quality is that pretty face. I lured her onto that side path and handed her over to that spoiled brat. Two birds with one stone..."

Her smug voice came to an abrupt stop. She turned around. Standing behind her was Adrian. His face was terrifyingly dark.

Instantly, all the color drained from Wendy's face.

"A... Adrian..."

Adrian's eyes were as cold as ice. He asked coldly, "Where is she?"

*****

On the isolated path, the notorious playboy had completely blocked Violet's way.

His eyes roamed shamelessly over her body, filled with greed and desire.

"Come on, sweetheart. Life isn't exactly great for you at the Winston house. Why don't you come with me instead? I've already got several girls staying at my apartment. You'd fit right in."

"In your dreams!"

Violet refused without hesitation. She tried to back away, but every escape route was blocked. Her foot slipped. She crashed hard onto the ground.

The man bent down toward her. The overwhelming stench of cigarettes and alcohol hit her face.

For a split second, despair consumed her. Then a loud crash shattered the silence.

The man was sent flying by a brutal kick. A black overcoat carrying the crisp scent of cedar landed over Violet's shoulders.

"It's okay. You're safe now."

It was Adrian.

The rich brat struggled to his feet, immediately trying to twist the story.

"Adrian, she was the one who seduced me..."

Before he could finish, he met Adrian's icy gaze.

Adrian said coldly, "Get out."

The man's face turned pale. He didn't dare argue another second, quickly stumbling away as fast as he could.

The moment Violet saw Adrian's face and heard the worry he couldn't hide, all the fear she'd been holding back finally broke. Hot tears streamed uncontrollably down her cheeks.

"Adrian..."

Without another word, Adrian bent down and lifted her into his arms.

"It's over. I'm taking you home."

His embrace was broad and warm. Leaning against his chest, Violet found herself completely speechless.

The commotion had been loud enough to attract attention from the mansion. Servants and guests alike hurried over.

When Wendy arrived with Sherry and the others, they saw Adrian carrying Violet in his arms.

Without saying a single word to anyone, he walked straight past the stunned crowd and headed back toward the mansion.