"Mmm—"

Hans Jenkins gently guided Audrey Jackson into the intimate lounge, their passionate kisses creating a whirlwind of emotions.

Audrey found herself pinned against the cool wall, Hans' heat radiating onto her.

Trapped in his intense hold, she surrendered softly, savoring the warmth she had longed for.

But just as she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, a tender voice whispered in her ear, "Andrea."

A shiver ran down Audrey's spine.

She knew he was calling for his first and only love, Andrea Weston.

Not her. Not Audrey.

A bittersweet smile tinged with self-mockery appeared on her lips.

For five years, she had been playing the substitute for Andrea Weston.

But she harbored no resentment.

After all, it was she who had initially sought him out.

Back then, her grandmother had been gravely ill, and the medical expenses were astronomical, a sum that seemed impossible to cover.

In her desperation, she discovered her uncanny resemblance to Hans' first love, Andrea Weston. After Hans suffered a tragic accident that left him in a vegetative state, Andrea had married a foreign nobleman.

This seemed like a godsend.

She managed to infiltrate Hans' life, becoming the esteemed Mr. Jenkins' secretary and lover.

Hans remained profoundly attached to his first love, even after her abandonment.

This affection extended to Audrey, whom he treated exceptionally well.

He helped her clear all her debts, ensured her grandmother received top-tier medical care, and lavished her with gifts, placing her in a prominent position in his life.

Of course, Audrey's own efforts were instrumental in this whole setup.

Over the course of five long years, she had successfully suppressed her true self, flawlessly emulating Andrea's gentle and submissive demeanor.

She went to great lengths to please Hans, even secretly practicing to perfect Andrea's smile down to the minutest detail.

...

"Let's leave work early today, hmm?"

Audrey, now enveloped in Hans' arms, couldn't help but be momentarily surprised by his suggestion.

Why was he so insistent on leaving work early and going to her place? Hadn't he had enough already?

She was utterly perplexed.

She had noticed that Hans had grown somewhat tired of her over the past year. For instance, he hadn't taken her along on his latest business trip, which was a clear indication of his waning interest.

But now, after returning from his trip, he had barged into his secretary's office, pushed her into the lounge, and was currently dropping hints about them leaving early.

Audrey couldn't fathom his intentions.

"Mr. Jenkins, you should probably head to the meeting first. The shareholders are waiting for you in the conference room," Audrey softly suggested, gently pushing against his chest.

"Hmm," Hans responded nonchalantly. He left another mark on her neck before finally releasing her and heading towards the bathroom.

Audrey sighed with relief as she watched him go.

Ignoring the throbbing sensation in her body, she retrieved Hans' spare suit from the wardrobe.

Before long, Hans had finished his shower and emerged from the bathroom.

Audrey handed his suit to him, waiting patiently to help him with his tie.

The room was filled with a serene silence, and the only sound was the rhythm of their breathing.

Hans tilted his head slightly, his gaze fixed on Audrey, who stood a little shorter than him. She was just as well-behaved and considerate as she had always been, and he found it quite pleasing.

He broke the silence casually. "Don't forget to sign the checks and contracts on the bedside table."

Audrey furrowed her brow in slight confusion as she picked up the checks and contracts. They read two million dollars and a transfer agreement for the villa by Midtou Lake.

What the...

Was this some sort of breakup compensation?

"What's this, Mr. Jenkins?" Audrey looked at him, her expression with a mixture of surprise and bewilderment.

Hans gazed at her with an amused yet commanding tone, much like someone teasing a beloved pet. He gently lifted her chin and explained, "Consider it a reward."

A reward?

Was he rewarding her for being an outstanding secretary, or had she been a pleasurable lover?

Even though Hans had always been generous, this time his gesture was exceptionally lavish. After all, the villa by Midtou Lake was valued at over a hundred million.

Hans gazed at the woman with her vibrant, slightly swollen red lips. He reached out and gently caressed her cheek with his knuckles, his icy tone carrying a hint of seduction. "As long as you keep being this obedient, there'll be more rewards for you."

Audrey blinked, her eyes reflecting her bafflement as she met Hans' gaze.

So... he didn't want to break up?

Did he intend to continue their current relationship?

Hans still hadn't grown tired of her?

Quickly, she diverted her gaze and continued to play the part of the submissive and obedient secretary, nodding gently. "Alright, Mr. Jenkins."

Maybe it was just her imagination, but after her response, Hans seemed to relax the slight furrow in his brow.

"There probably won't be much to do this afternoon. You can head home and rest early."

"Alright."

Audrey put on a sweet and docile act, showing off her eight bright teeth.

Once Hans left the secretary's office...

Audrey suppressed her smile and returned to her usual composed demeanor.

She placed the signed check and contract on the desk and then turned to tidy herself up in the lounge. Just like many times before, she mechanically took out her spare dress and entered the bathroom to change and touch up her makeup.

The bathroom mirror reflected her shapely figure, and the strawberry mark on her neck that Hans had just sucked on, now looked as if it could bleed.

She applied concealer repeatedly until it was barely visible.

Suddenly, her phone pinged with a message notification.

She picked it up and saw that it was a financial news from the system.

A familiar headline caught her attention.

"Power Couple Alert! Yarn Group President Engaged to Byrne Group Heiress - Major Shifts Anticipated in Country C's Economy!"

With a resounding thud, her phone hit the floor.

Audrey didn't bother to retrieve it, her lips curling into a cold, bitter smirk.

So that's why Hans had suddenly been so generous with money and property.

He wanted her to remain his secret lover... or perhaps, she should update her title. She was now his... mistress.

He couldn't let go of Andrea, even as he was about to marry. He still clung to her, Andrea's stand-in.

He had truly perfected the art of being a scoundrel!

A wave of nausea washed over Audrey, a sudden surge in her chest and stomach.

She quickly crouched by the toilet, dry-heaving...