A Love for Every Curve

The Unspoken Claim

Ethan Ryder was utterly intoxicated, his body slumped on the chair, breath reeking heavily of alcohol. His lips moved slightly in a drunken stupor:

"Sophia, where did you go?" He was completely oblivious that Eleanor Dane stood right beside him, her heart in pieces.

Sophia Walsh steadied his heavy frame, then swept past Ellie with a look that was both provocative and deeply triumphant, as though she had just finalized her claim of ownership.

Across the lobby, a procession of figures in black suits emerged, creating an aura of cold authority. The most striking was the man leading the charge: Julian Chen. Tall, with an intensely icy demeanor. He was leaving a crucial contract negotiation. Inadvertently, his gaze drifted, catching a familiar silhouette—perhaps the girl from the hotel suite.

Julian paused.

"Escort Presidents Fang and Lei out for me. I have something urgent to attend to," he commanded his secretary, Mr. Zhao, without preamble.

He walked away, ignoring the scowling faces of the two CEOs. A critical contract was on the line, and yet Julian Chen dared to walk out so blatantly? Mr. Zhao quickly bowed apologetically and escorted the disgruntled clients away.

Julian strode on, passing the two traitors. His sharp eyes flickered over Ethan Ryder and Sophia Walsh, instantly deducing the general situation.

At that moment, Ellie, her mind a chaotic blend of shock and alcohol, vaguely registered Julian Chen approaching. That face... it was familiar in a confusing way, but she couldn't place him.

Julian stopped, gently catching her swaying body. "Had enough looking? If so, let's go."

He lifted her in a princess carry. She was so light that it sparked a feeling of unconscious protection in him. Despite the alcohol, Ellie clung tightly to his neck, seeking safety in the arms of this stranger.

He settled her into his car, fastened her seatbelt, and started the engine.

"Where is your home?" he asked, looking straight ahead, his voice calm.

"I don't have a home. I don't want to go home," she whispered. Her drunken eyes fixated on him again. Suddenly, she reached out, her fingers gently touching the corner of his eye.

"Your eyes are truly beautiful. Can I have them?"

"No."

"Why?"

He remained silent, concentrating on the road. Internally, a complex mix of annoyance and fascination arose at the clinginess of the drunken woman.

Abruptly, Ellie wrapped both arms tightly around his neck, pulling him closer. "Why won't you answer me? Tell me, what must I give you to have those eyes?"

He uttered a flippant, yet subtly probing answer: "Your body. I find it very interesting, too."

Ellie burst into a sharp, bitter laugh. Tears instantly sprang to her eyes and streamed down her cheeks.

"You men are all scoundrels. Everything must be traded for a body. Damn it, absolutely wretched!"

He met her gaze with his deep black eyes, sighed softly, and pulled a tissue from the console.

"Alright, I was just joking. Why are you crying? Where is your home? I'll take you back." His voice held a trace of softening.

Ellie leaned her head against his shoulder, clutching his arm. "I don't want to go back. Can I come to your place?"

Julian Chen regretted his impulsive decision to recognize her and sweep her away. He couldn't fathom how he had landed himself in this kind of trouble.

The car stopped in front of Cuong Thinh District, one of the city's five most luxurious residential areas.

"We’re here. Time to get out," he gently touched her cheek, flushed pink from the wine. It felt soft and irresistibly beautiful.

Disturbed from her sleep, Ellie whined softly and turned her head away, continuing to sleep. Julian looked at her adorable action and found himself smiling unconsciously. He couldn't let her sleep in the car. He lifted her again. She was feather-light, intensifying his protective impulse.

He carried her into the apartment and carefully set her down on the sofa. As he prepared to stand up, Ellie's eyes suddenly opened. Her arms circled his neck, pulling him down.

"Can you kiss me?"

Julian Chen gazed into her misty, longing eyes. He slowly lowered his head. Their lips met, and the kiss deepened—powerful and possessive. His tongue pried past her teeth, entwining with hers, drawing out all the sweetness and the lingering, spicy flavor of the wine. Their breathing grew ragged and rapid.

"Do you know who I am?" he whispered.

Ellie nodded, her eyes still locked on his.

"Who am I? Tell me," his gaze was expectant.

"Julian Chen," her voice was soft, gentle, like a wind chime blending with the taste of wine.

The three words, spoken by those lips, sent a powerful tremor through him. Those three words made Julian Chen's heart, which he thought had turned to stone, beat wildly once more. He leaned down again, continuing the kiss, and Ellie mơ màng received him.