David's voice was so loud in his shock that everyone in the room turned to look at their table.

All eyes instantly focused on David.、

Even Alexander, who was surrounded by the crowd, looked up immediately upon hearing the commotion and searched for the source of the noise.

Ethan stood up abruptly when he heard David's words.

His expression was as cold as ice, his eyelids lowered, saring at the photo on the screen.

The golden floral wallpaper in the background was identical to the hallway behind him, and the man and woman in the photo were in an intimate pose.

Charles was holding the woman, who seemed either a bit drunk or deeply affectionate, clinging to him.

Her head rested on Chares' chest, only partially visible, and though the photo was slightly blurry from a shaky hand, Ethan was certain it was Wendy.

"When did she start hooking up with Charles?"

Ethan's face was dark with anger as he demanded from the phone's owner,"Where was this taken?"

The person, intimidated by Ethan's murderous expression, didn't dare to hide anything.

He walked to the door and pointed to a room at the end of the hallway.saying. "In there, just went in about ten minutes ago."

Ethan tossed the phone back to him and strode towards the room.

Lydia quickly followed to stop him. "Ethan,you and Wendy are divorced.

Whatever she doesis her business. You have no right to question her."

Ethan's face was a storm of fury. "I'll decide if she has that freedom!"

He raised his hand to pound on the door.

Lydia said, "Are you sure you want to see what's behind that door?"

Ethan's hand froze an inch from the door.

He clenched his fist, standing there, the airaround him cold and oppressive, like a statue covered in snow, exuding an unmelting chill.

They were divorced. Whoever she dated, however many men she dated,was her freedom.

So what if she was with Charles? Who said she couldn't be with him?

What was hegoing to do, knock on the door and get told off for meddling.then be told to get lost?

What was he going to do, watch her make love to Charles, just like she used to in his arms?

David and the other two friends were desperately trying to persuade him.

"There are so many important people here today, don't cause a scene."

"Yeah, you guys are divorced, you're both adults."

"Ethan, I know it's hrd to accept, but you'll have to get used to it eventually," Lydia said patiently. "If you go in there now,you'll embarrass Wendy. You can't put her in such an awkward position just because of your possessiveness."

"Get lost!" Ethan's anger was barely contained.

David and the others quickly retreated back to the event.

Lydia pressed her lips together, watching Ethan's unprecedented loss of control.

"Did you hear that? He's right outside."

Just a door away, Charles, hearing Ethan's voice, became suddenly excited,gripping Wendy's face. "Why aren't you screaming? Keep screaming!"

Wendy's cheeks were bruised from his grip, the pain piercing,tears streaming uncontrollably.

She screamed for help with all her might, but the people outside seemed not to hear.

She heard the footsteps outside gradually fade away, and the hope of rescue that had just ignited quickly extinguished, replaced by overwhelming despair.

Charles pinned her to the bed, all her struggles and resistance futile.

Ethan's presence drove Charles into a frenzy, tearing Wendy's clothes off.exposing her body.

Her fear and helplessness turned into choked sobs, crying out desperately.

"Help me,"

"Please,help me."

Ethan stood in the hallway, pulling out a cigarette and putting it in his mouth.

He fumbled for his lighter, the veins on his hand bulging,his fingers trembling slightly. The flame flickered but didn't catch.

Ethan, furious, kicked a shiny metal trash can against the wall, losing all semblance of his usual composed business demeanor.

Rage burned in his chest, nearly consuming his reason. He wanted to burst in and tear Charles apart.

'Wendy,you're something else,really!'

She used to be so gentle and obedient with him, blushing and avoiding his gaze at the slightest affectionate word. Now,she was hooking up with his friend.

Ethan threw away the cigarette, his face dark,and turned to leave with long strides.

Inside the room, Wendy's heart sank as she heard the footsteps fade away.

Her voice was hoarse from screaming, her body wracked with pain and despair, leaving her too weak to even tremble.

She knew Ethan was heartless, but she hadn't expocted him to abandon her so completely, disregarding their pnst.

Just as Wendy was on the brink of despair, the heavy door was suddenly kicked open, erashing to the foor with a loud, startling thud,

Alexander sow the scene inside, and fury exploded in his chest.

The people following him instinctively tried to look inside, but before they could see anything, Alexander slammed the door shut.

Charles had been with many women, but Wendy was the only one who made him go to such lengths.

Blame it on that night at the ball, where she danced with Ethan,her graceful figure and charming smile deeply imprinted in his mind,making his heart flutter every time he recalled it.

If she had been more passionate, he might have lost interest.

Or if she hadn't been Ethan's wife, he wouldn't have gone to such lengths to have her.

Charles dared to be so bold because he thought Wendy was easy to control.

She was just a timid housewife, well-educated, with a strong sense of dignity.

He thought that once he succeeded, for the sake of her future and reputation, she wouldn't dare call the police.

Would she dare go to her ex-husband Ethan for help?

By then, with the photos and videos of their lovemaking in his possession,it would be like putting a shackle on her. With a little coaxing, she might even obediently comply.

But he hadn't expected the one to burst in would be Alexander, the CEO of the Turner Group.

Seeing Wendy bound and tear-streaked, Alexander's rage turned into a murderous fury.

Veins bulged on his neck as he strode forward. yanking Charles off her and throwing him to the ground.

"You've got a death wish!"