"What's the matter, dumbstruck?" Thomas Shannon took a cigarette box from his desk, pulled out a cigarette, and put it between his lips.
He picked up the metal lighter with one hand, his eyes slightly narrowed, and lit it.
Sparks flickered, and smoke rose.
Sophie Sullivan pursed her lips as the fiery cigarette end was suddenly thrust straight at her face.
"AH..."
Startled, Sophie let out a low cry and pulled her head back.
"HEH." The man chuckled with dark amusement, his laughter deep and low.
Sophie had to admit that not only was he good-looking, even his voice was damn sexy!
"Continue."
Sophie looked up in surprise, staring at him. "What?"
Holding the cigarette between his fingertips, Thomas Shannon exhaled a thick white cloud of smoke. "Weren't you quite capable just now?"
Sophie's face burned hot, as if it was going to catch fire.
How could this man just casually say those words?
Where was his decency?!
Then again, a man who could nonchalantly keep so many maids would have long since fed his decency to dogs.
"Did you hear me? Continue!"
The man snapped, and Sophie immediately snapped back to reality.
She wouldn't.
"I won't."
Thomas Shannon put down his long legs that had been propped up and pointed to his lap. "Sit here."
Sit...on his lap?
"What are you waiting for, get on!"
Sophie resisted internally but reluctantly sat on his lap. Thomas Shannon's hand cupped her jaw.
With calloused fingertips, he gently caressed her face.
The pressure on her jaw tightened, causing Sophie to involuntarily let out a gasp.
A trace of humiliation flashed in Sophie's eyes.
Wouldn't he know best if she was pretending?
"What skills do you have?" Thomas Shannon used his fingertip to lift her chin up.
He blew a smoke ring from his thin lips, spraying it all over her face.
Sophie shook her head.
"Heh, I'll teach you."
He'd teach her?
Without even thinking, Sophie knew he would only teach her disgusting things.
He was humiliating her!
Time and again, she was subjected to humiliation.
Her reason collapsing, Sophie raised her hand.
She quickly grabbed his neck, her eyes fierce. "Go to hell, you rapist!"
Her reaction caught Thomas Shannon off guard. He was stunned for three seconds before he expertly restrained her wrist with one hand, applying slight force.
"AH!"
Sophie cried out in pain, her face pale, and the hand gripping his neck instantly lost its strength.
A surge of intense pain spread from her wrist.
Thomas Shannon snorted coldly, his eyes ruthless. "Little maniac, you'd better keep your claws to yourself when you're around me. If there's a next time, I'll cripple those scratching hands of yours."
He waved his hand, and Sophie fell from his lap to the ground.
Thankfully, the carpet was thick enough that she didn't feel much pain.
"Get out."
His command was chillingly sharp.
Not daring to delay, Sophie stumbled to her feet and ran out.
Leaving the study room, endless torture awaited her.
The maid saw her running out, clutching her hand. Charlie River signaled to the maid, who nodded to indicate she understood.
"Follow me." The maid coldly glanced at Sophie before turning to leave.
Sophie clutched her hand, gasping for air, and followed her.
That man was merciless.
She didn't even know what had become of her hand.