Chapter 79

Chapter 79

Megan stood by the floor–to–ceiling windows, peering out in silence.

She watched as Cora descended the steps, collapsing in tears on the curb. She had never seen Cora like this, not even on the day the Quigley family fortune crumbled, when Cora had managed to keep her composure.

Behind her, Blanca couldn’t help but murmur softly, “Mrs. Lowry, do you have regrets?”

Megan lowered her gaze. After a moment, she offered a faint smile. “Regrets? I don’t do regrets.”

How could she have regrets when there had been no choice?

Megan had stayed home for half a day. When she left in the afternoon, she carried only a small suitcase.

As dusk fell, the sky was a canvas of colors, the sunset paintin

painting a spectacle of beauty.

A luxurious black limousine glided through the wrought–iron gates, circling to a stop on the villa’s driveway.

Sullivan stepped out from the shadows to o

open Megan’s door.

He called her Mrs. Lowry. His handsome face broke into a charming, easy smile. “Lila’s whipped up a crab casserole. Looks delicious. Perfect to pair with a bottle of red wine later!”

His attentiveness was clear, Megan knew it was the novelty of the moment for him.

Even though they had been married for three years and he had claimed her body night after night, in this moment, Sullivan was filled with a sense of conquest, having maneuvered her back into his world. Any man would swell with pride, and Megan was certain that crab casserole wasn’t the only thing he was eager to indulge in

She looked down, her voice soft but firm. “Sullivan, there’s no need for this.”

“No need for what?”

Suddenly, Sullivan pressed her against the side of the car.

The driver, knowing better, promptly took his leave, and they were left alone in the vast courtyard. Bodies close, the thin fabric between them barely concealing his evident desire.

The twilights glow bathed Megan’s face in a flattering light.

Sullivan gently cradled the back of her head. He leaned in close, his voice barely above a whisper. “So, Mrs. Lowry, what kind of

marriage are we playing at this time? A charade of affection in public and cold indifference in private?”

Megan turned her face away, unable to bear it. “You wanted me back, Sullivan. I’m here. What more do you want?”

His gaze lingered on her. After a moment, he released her with a scoff. “What do I want? You know exactly what I want, Mrs. Lowry”

Their homecoming was anything but pleasant.

Dinner was tense, not the anticipated warm reunion, and the bottle of red wine was left untouched by Sullivan.

After dinner, Sullivan retreated to his study to work, leaving the household staff worried for Megan. One whispered, “Men like a compliant woman. You might find life easier if you just go along with him a bit

Megan’s expression remained neutral. She uncorked the wine, pouring herself half a glass, and sipped lightly.

After a moment, she let out a faint smile. “Being compliant didn’t make life any easier before.”

The staff member didn’t dare to speak further.

After a modest drink, Megan ascended the stairs to the master bedroom, taking in the familiar surroundings.

This had been her prison, and now she was back. Whether for five years or ten, as long as Sullivan didn’t release her, she would never be free

But Megan didn’t wallow in sentimentality for long. She slipped into a bathrobe, preparing for a bath, aware that Sullivan wouldn’t let the night pass easily. She hoped a relaxed body might make the inevitable more bearable.

After soaking for half an hour, Megan felt limp and relaxed. She blow–dried her hair and tied her bathrobe before stepping out

Unexpectedly, Sullivan was already in the bedroom. He had showered in the quest room and now lounged in a crisp white robe by the bed, flipping through a magazine under a single reading lamp–a clear signal of his intentions for the evening.

Megan watched him for a moment, then sat at the dresser, meticulously applying her skin care products. Sullivan waited patiently.

When she finished, he set aside the magazine, came up behind her, and began to massage her shoulders. His touch was gentle but

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Chapter 79

Insistent.

Megan couldn’t help but give in. She tilted her hond back, her slender throat taut, looking incredibly vulnerable.

Sullivan nipped gently at the soft flesh behind her ear, his voice laced with a hint of mischief, “Where would you like it tonight?” Megan reached back, her hands trembling slightly as they encircled his neck ‘Let’s. let’s go to bed.”

He chuckled softly, lifting her in his arms and kissing her as they moved.

Megan was laid on the bed.

Sullivan, supporting himself with one amm and embracing her with the other, kissed her until they both ignited with passion. With a single motion, he untied her bathrobe and joined with her, no longer able to wait….