Love, Hate, and Revenge

"Go ahead. Why did you want to see me?" Inside the luxurious presidential suite of a five-star hotel, Sebastian Hastings' thick, sharply defined eyebrows furrowed slightly. He sat languidly and casually on a leather sofa, his perfectly long legs slightly crossed. Regal as a king, his impeccably handsome face utterly expressionless, he asked coldly.Ivy Winslow's heart ached with a dull bitterness. She had long grown accustomed to his indifference and distance, yet her heart still hurt as if a knife were cutting into a healed wound.The corners of her mouth twitched slightly. Her eyes dim, she gave a faint smile and said crisply, "I agree to the divorce."Sebastian Hastings was stunned. Her answer surprised him. His cold, dark, handsome eyes narrowed slightly as he raised his gaze to study her.The woman before him wore a pure white, deep-V, off-the-shoulder chiffon dress, cinched tightly at the waist, perfectly showcasing her delicate and graceful figure. Her long hair casually draped over her shoulders, looking nonchalant, and a serene smile rested on her face.A woman discussing divorce could be so calm, even smiling brightly – this was exactly what she wanted, wasn't it?A flicker of light danced in Sebastian Hastings' dark pupils. Anger rose in his heart, a cold smile curving his lips."However, I have one condition." Ivy Winslow gently pressed her red lips together, as if she had made a decision. "I want fifty million in compensation."So, she had come prepared. And her appetite was far from small.The coldness in Sebastian Hastings' smile deepened. His handsome face was filled with contempt and disgust. It was just about the money, as he had expected all along.He slowly lit a cigar and took a deep drag. Through the swirling smoke, Ivy Winslow couldn't quite read his expression.When did he start smoking? Ivy Winslow's heart gave a startled leap. He never used to smoke. His scent had always been that light, fresh fragrance of mint, which she found intoxicating.The pain in her heart slowly spread, like needle points pricking at her heart chambers, densely surrounding her.To muster the courage to say these words, she had been convincing herself ever since leaving the hospital.Three years ago, he had proposed the divorce. She hadn't agreed.Since she was very young, she had loved this cold, handsome man. For so many years, loving him seemed to have become a part of her life. Even though he was as cold as ice and discarded her like an old shoe, she had never considered divorce. To escape, she had gone to America alone.But just a few days ago, she received a call from the hospital. Her father had died in a car accident, and her mother was still lying in the hospital.The contemptuous, disdainful light in his deep eyes stabbed painfully at her chest. But thinking of the huge medical bills, she truly had no choice.An air of unease and restlessness flowed through the room.Sebastian Hastings silently stubbed out his cigar. His hawk-like eyes fixed on the deep crevice revealed by her low-cut dress.This woman had been away from him for three years. How many men had she been with in that time? How desperate could she be? Dressing like this to seduce him today – for money, had she truly become so utterly shameless?Rage surged in his heart like erupting magma. His cold eyes shot out red-hot daggers, yet within his body churned a thick, evil fire that left his mouth dry and his body feverish.It seemed that from the moment he saw her, this unholy fire had begun to stir beneath the surface."Spend one night with me, and I'll agree." One long arm draped over the back of the sofa, his head tilted slightly, his gaze icy. His perfectly shaped, beautifully curved lips curled into a mocking, contemptuous smile, exuding the innate, kingly dominance he was born with.What did he take her for? Ivy Winslow drew in a sharp breath, her whole body trembling.Three years had passed, and his hatred for her had only grown stronger.A chill crept up from the soles of her feet, freezing her entire body. The small hope hidden in her heart extinguished like dying sparks. The pure white chiffon dress only accentuated the pallor of her delicate face, and the persistence she once held was slowly devoured.Yes, he would never, ever love her. This had always been one-sided, an invitation to humiliation.But three years of struggling in America had forged a resilient character, capable of bending as needed."Deal!" Ivy Winslow lifted her head slightly and took the already signed divorce agreement from her exquisite handbag, handing it to him. "Sebastian Hastings, money for services rendered. After tonight, we owe each other nothing."Excellent! A vein pulsed at Sebastian Hastings' temple. He gave a cold laugh and crooked his finger at her.Ivy Winslow swallowed the humiliation, taking a small step closer, her face wearing the same gentle smile as always – charming and alluring.Sebastian Hastings' hawk-like eyes, laced with a scorching gaze, fixed on her. In that fleeting moment, he seemed to see a sad, helpless little woman, and felt an inexplicable twinge of pain in his heart. What was wrong with him?It must be an illusion. The next second, the woman's face was plastered with a fawning smile, which he found utterly repulsive.How could he ever feel pity for such a woman?Ivy Winslow saw the trace of timidity in her own eyes reflected in his dark, cold gaze.Her heart pounded violently. At that moment, she wanted nothing more than to turn and run. But the thought flickered through her mind only to be dismissed."Please me." Sebastian Hastings' voice was harsh and domineering. He leaned back against the sofa, his head tilted up slightly. He loosened his collar a little, his entire demeanor radiating cold indifference.Please him? Ivy Winslow was at a loss.Throughout their years of marriage, he had been moody and icy towards her. Their marriage had long been dead in all but name. If it weren't for the night he got drunk on their wedding day…"What? No sincerity? Then please see yourself out. I don't have this much leisure time." Seeing Ivy Winslow standing motionless, the man said coldly.Here goes nothing! Ivy Winslow clenched her teeth, her face flushing crimson. She suddenly bent down, grabbed his lips, and started gnawing.Her red lips pressed against his cool ones, carrying a faint, delicate fragrance. For a moment, Sebastian Hastings was dazed.This was the first time she had ever kissed him voluntarily since their marriage. But this wasn't a kiss; it was like gnawing on a bone. Thinking she was playing at innocence, he felt a wave of inexplicable anger surge within him. He abruptly turned his head away. Ivy Winslow's kiss met empty air. Her foot slipped, and she tumbled entirely into his lap."So eager to throw yourself into my arms?" Sebastian Hastings' voice was icy. His intense masculine scent, mixed with his hot breath, washed over Ivy Winslow's ears and nose. Before she could pull away, an iron arm scooped her up and threw her roughly onto the soft bed.The man's powerful hands quickly stripped away her dress.Her fair, lustrous skin, her perfectly curved silhouette, lay revealed before him – a fatal temptation."You agreed to this yourself." Sebastian Hastings' lips curled in a cold smile as he abruptly lowered his head to kiss her.He had already tasted her sweetness that one night. But the more beautiful the woman, the better she was at deception. He detested it.As for him showing her any pity now – that possibility was virtually nonexistent.A dry, searing pain quickly shot through Ivy Winslow's body. Her heart ached terribly. Once, she had been infatuated with him. But he had only ever shown her coldness and brutality.This night was just a transaction. Ivy Winslow knew this very well.Since some price had to be paid, she might as well try to find some pleasure in it. So, she was both in pain and trying to feel pleasure. Besides, the man before her was the one she had always deeply loved.When her hazy consciousness slowly returned, it was already the early hours of the morning. Ivy Winslow's entire body throbbed with tearing pain.Trembling, she got up and dressed neatly. The pain made her frown, yet her face bloomed with a smile as radiant as a peach blossom.Ivy Winslow possessed a pair of bright, crystalline eyes, clear and pure. When she smiled, her eyes curved into crescents, making one cannot help but marvel at her elegant, refined, and luminous charm.Just like now. Her family was ruined, she was playing a role with the man she had once deeply loved, and yet she smiled with calm composure.Sebastian Hastings stood by the floor-to-ceiling window. The pale yellow light outlined his tall, straight figure, which looked somewhat lonely from behind. His gaze was deep and cold.Was it finally over? Ivy Winslow felt a sense of relief, yet her heart felt so heavy she could barely breathe. The road ahead would be arduous. This was only the beginning. There was still so much she had to do…"May I go now?" Ivy Winslow's expression was cold and sharp as she addressed Sebastian Hastings, enunciating each word.After taking just a few steps, she turned back, waving the cheque in her hand. She gave Sebastian Hastings, who was watching her expressionlessly, a faint smile and said, "Goodbye, ex-husband!"Ivy Winslow waved at him gracefully and walked away lightly.Sebastian Hastings' body felt stiff. His gaze was so dark and gloomy it seemed about to drip with water.