"It's okay; maybe Stella just wants to make you jealous; don't take it to heart."

"Exactly, why get so angry? She's probably still thinking about becoming a daughter-in-law of the Franklin family and will come back to apologize soon."

Zane seemed somewhat pleased, his voice cold, "A pretty girl and a bastard are a better match, aren't they?"

"If she wants to come back, let's see if I want her."

As we walked out of the bar, I felt a twinge of guilt and apologized to Yale.

"I'm sorry for dragging you into this mess."

"You don't have to take what I said seriously," I said.

To my surprise, Yale reached out and touched my face, his tone soft and affectionate.

"Why are you crying?"

Then, lowering his voice, he whispered in my ear, "And I did take it seriously. What now, Stella?"

"I... I..." I was so shocked that I couldn't form a complete sentence, just staring at him with my red eyes.

"I'm your brother's woman. Aren't you... disgusted?"

He hesitated, biting his lip, "A son of a mistress like him thinks he can be my brother?"

I had heard about their family's feud; it was just about Zane's father climbing the social ladder while juggling two relationships.

His mother couldn't stand it and divorced his father, taking Yale with her.

Over time, Zane's mother spread rumors that Yale was an illegitimate child, and soon everyone believed it.

"I'm much older than you," I said, my voice growing colder.

"How will you know if you don't try?"

"Maybe after one experience, you'll want a second!"

A mischievous glint flashed in Yale's eyes as he continued with his suggestive remarks, making my face flush like a boiled shrimp.

Suddenly, I recalled Zane's words. I grabbed Yale's tie and pulled him closer, smiling sweetly.

"Alright, let's see how good your kissing skills are first."

With that, his kiss descended upon me, starting off tentative and quickly becoming passionate.

I had to admit, his kiss was intoxicating, leaving me breathless.

As I felt his hands wandering, I quickly stopped him, panting softly.

"Let's go... to my place."

Yale's eyes darkened, and he didn't respond at first.

Just when I thought he was silently rejecting me, he pressed a gentle kiss on my forehead and spoke in a hoarse voice.

"Okay."

The moment the door closed, Yale pushed me against the wall, pinning my hands above my head.

He began by gently kissing my brows, nose, and finally my lips.