The Maid of the Villa

On a luxurious leather sofa, a seductive woman lay lazily, her body draped in a silk robe that barely covered her sinuous, alluring curves. Her red lips matched the color of the wine in her glass, creating a visual harmony that was both mesmerizing and dangerous.

Jack Chase, however, didn't dare look directly at Lady Rowan. He quickly approached with his head bowed, speaking nervously, "Lady Rowan, the beast hasn't been killed, but the Exorcist Bureau has it contained."

"You're testing my patience, Jack. This outcome is...displeasing," Lady Rowan's sultry tone was laced with anger, sending a shiver down Jack's spine. He could feel the cold sweat forming on his brow.

"Lady Rowan, I can explain. Everything was set in motion perfectly. The rabid attackers had successfully diverted the Bureau's attention. My informants confirmed that the special task force from Capital City had moved to the southern district. But unexpectedly, as soon as the beast emerged, they managed to arrive just in time. The beast had no chance to cause real havoc," Jack stammered, desperately wiping the sweat from his forehead.

His carefully laid plans had been completely derailed by the unexpected appearance of a rogue player: Ash, the werewolf.

If Ash hadn't shown up at the Eastside Food District, Captain Sera wouldn't have been redirected to track him. The beast would have decimated the entire district before any backup could arrive.

"You don't know why? Your entire plan was ruined, and you still don't know why? Pathetic!" Lady Rowan's voice grew sharp, and in a fit of rage, she flung the now-empty wine glass at Jack's head. A shard of glass embedded itself in his forehead, drawing blood.

Jack didn't flinch, not even to wipe the blood trickling down his face. Bowing deeply, he apologized, "Lady Rowan, it's my failure. Please forgive me."

"Charlotte, slap him. Don't stop until I say," Lady Rowan commanded, her voice icy.

Without a word, the young maid stepped forward. Charlotte, who had only recently graduated from college, had been tricked by Jack into coming here, only to be handed over to Lady Rowan as a "gift."

That very night, Charlotte had become Lady Rowan's personal plaything.

The experience was surreal to her—she had been violated, but by another woman. As disturbing as it was, she quickly learned to survive. Lady Rowan was immensely powerful, and resistance was futile. The only way to live was to submit, to play the role of the obedient servant.

Fortunately, Lady Rowan had been gentle with her, and Charlotte hadn't been mistreated—until now.

With silent fury, Charlotte grabbed Jack by the collar and began slapping him hard across the face, each smack echoing through the room. Jack's once-handsome face swelled and bruised, but Charlotte showed no mercy. Her hand throbbed from the impact, but her anger spurred her on. This was the man who had sold her out, who had betrayed her trust for his own gain.

"Enough, Charlotte. Don't hurt your hand," Lady Rowan finally ordered, though her concern was solely for Charlotte's well-being. Her voice was almost motherly.

Charlotte released Jack, her face expressionless as she stepped back. She had learned to read Lady Rowan's moods and never overstep her bounds. Obedience was her lifeline.

"Now, do you understand why your plan failed?" Lady Rowan asked coldly.

"Yes...yes, my Lady. It's because of that werewolf. He caused the disruption." Jack quickly responded, handing over his phone with the video of Ash. Despite having just endured a brutal punishment, Jack's voice remained steady.

"How fascinating… A werewolf working alongside the Exorcist Bureau?" Lady Rowan murmured, intrigued by the video.

"They've made some sort of deal, it seems," Jack explained, still bowing low.

"Try capturing it for me, will you? I'd like to meet this... interesting creature," Lady Rowan said with a dismissive wave.

"Of course, Lady Rowan. But... what about the rest of our plan?" Jack inquired cautiously.

"Leave it for now. The Bureau will be busy dealing with the situation in the city. I have my own preparations," Lady Rowan's eyes narrowed, and Jack quickly bowed again, scurrying from the room, grateful to still be alive.

"Charlotte, come sit by me," Lady Rowan purred, her voice softening as she motioned to her maid.

"Yes, my Lady," Charlotte replied, seating herself obediently next to Lady Rowan.

"Do you hate Jack, my dear?" Lady Rowan asked, her smile sweet but her words loaded with danger.

"Only because you hate him, my Lady," Charlotte responded quickly, her heart racing. She knew the wrong answer could be fatal.

"Such a good girl," Lady Rowan cooed, stroking Charlotte's hair tenderly. But beneath her gentle touch lay a lethal threat. Charlotte had passed the test. If she had admitted to hating Jack on her own, it would have implied disloyalty to her new mistress—and that would have meant death.

"Thank you, my Lady," Charlotte whispered, forcing herself to lean into Lady Rowan's embrace, suppressing the shiver that ran down her spine.

And so, the game of survival continued.