His Untamed Rose novel Chapter 10

Stella froze, instinctively covering her lips with her hand. She looked up at him with a careful, hopeful gaze. “Is that not okay?”

Cedric’s expression darkened, displeasure shadowing his features.

As someone with an almost obsessive need for control, Cedric always recoiled from affection he hadn’t initiated himself. Only when he chose to reach out did he allow anyone close.

Lumina understood this perfectly. She always kept her distance, always showed restraint, always read the room. Whether in public or private, she addressed him with courteous formality—always “Mr. Royce”, never Cedric.

Except, of course, in bed. When their passion blurred the lines, Cedric would grip her jaw, forcing her to call his name.

He liked watching her composed, elegant face slowly flush with desire under his meticulous touch, her voice trembling as she whispered—no, pleaded—his name.

Lost in these memories, Cedric’s eyes softened for a fleeting moment, a tenderness blooming even he didn’t notice.

But just as quickly, the warmth vanished. He could still hear every word she’d said that afternoon, each syllable of her request to break up ringing in his ears like a thunderclap.

When she’d spoken, she’d stripped away her usual gentle façade. Her tone had been calm, emotionless, and resolute.

Cedric knew that was the real Lumina.

He clenched his fist and tossed back a glass of whiskey, swallowing it so fast it barely touched his tongue. He couldn’t even taste it.

“Of course it’s not okay.”

He rejected Stella without the least hesitation. Throwing on his coat, he stood, the cold air swirling around him.

“However you address me at the office, that’s how you should address me in private as well.”

Stella stared, startled, thinking she’d upset him. She scrambled to her feet. “But we haven’t eaten yet, Mr. Royce. Where are you going?”

“Have Hilton join you for dinner. I have something to take care of. I’m leaving.”

Without waiting for a reply, Cedric called Hilton in from the hallway, then glanced back at Stella. “And one more thing—don’t dress like this again. It doesn’t suit you.”

This dinner was supposed to be a welcome. Cedric, as host, had arranged it to celebrate Stella’s arrival in Banyan Town.

Stella was the little sister of his close friend, Linus Naylor. She’d just graduated from a top university, diligent and earnest. Out of respect for Linus, Cedric had brought her into the company and even taken her abroad for experience. But gradually, he realized that, like so many others, Stella’s intentions were far from pure.

Stella gripped her knife and fork, her face flushing and paling by turns, disappointment and embarrassment warring in her eyes.

Moonstar Hotel was one of the Royce family’s investments. He made his way inside and quickly found the hotel manager.

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Lumina was swept off her feet and carried into a hotel suite, landing on the plush bed.

Jurgen planted his hands on either side of her and, with barely contained eagerness, yanked off his tie and leaned in to kiss her.

Lumina turned her face away, dodging him.

After several failed attempts, Jurgen’s patience snapped. He gripped her throat and hissed against her ear, “Lumina, you’d better behave yourself. Don’t make me angry. You wouldn’t want anything to happen to the baby, would you?”

Lumina drew a deep breath, her eyes calm and unreadable as she met his gaze. She’d already made up her mind.

She smiled gently. “Mr. Harding, you reek of alcohol. It’s making me nauseous. Why don’t you take a shower first?”

Jurgen paused, considering, then grinned slyly. “Shall we shower together?”