Chapter 4 Trapped by Power

Lena looked stunning in a deep purple bodycon dress. The gown hugged her curves elegantly, radiating the aura of a powerful young woman at the top of the corporate world. Yet behind the captivating appearance, her face was creased with stress from the pile of work on her desk.

"Suzy, please check the contract from Glamour Entertainment Corp. I think there's a number mistake in Article Three," Lena said quickly, flipping through the document.

"Yes, gorgeous boss," Suzy replied with a teasing smile, then took the document from Lena's hands.

But the calm atmosphere of the office was shattered by a knock at the door.

Knock, knock, knock!

"Come in!" Lena called without lifting her head.

The door opened, and George-the manager-entered, hesitation written across his face.

"What is it, George?" Lena asked curtly.

"Miss... the man from Ocean Kingdom Group is here again. He says he wants to be personally accompanied by you."

Lena shut her eyes for a moment and exhaled deeply. "Ugh... I'm swamped with deadlines, George. Tell him I'm busy."

George shook his head slowly. "You know how stubborn he is. He won't take no for an answer."

Lena clenched her jaw, rubbing her temple.

"Fine. Go. I'll follow shortly."

George bowed slightly and exited, closing the door behind him.

"Oh my God..." Lena muttered under her breath. "If I keep entertaining him, when will I ever get this done?"

Suzy raised her brows, shooting her a quick glance. "Lena... I think that guy's seriously smitten with you."

"Don't say that," Lena cut her off. "Do you even know who he is?"

"Of course! One of the owners of Ocean King Group. The younger brother of one of those big tycoons, right?"

Lena set down the document and fixed her sharp gaze on Suzy.

"That's not what I meant. He's... my husband's uncle."

Suzy's eyes widened, nearly dropping the folder in her hands. "Wait-what?! So... you married the grandson of Ocean King's founder?"

Lena nodded slowly, bitterly.

"Damn, that's like hitting the jackpot!" Suzy exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

Lena sneered. "Jackpot? I'd rather never have married than be trapped with a bastard like him."

Suzy sat down immediately, torn between curiosity and concern. "Wait-hold on. You just called your husband a bastard. What's going on?"

Lena looked at her, her eyes carrying wounds that hadn't healed.

"I'll tell you later. Right now, I have to deal with that arrogant man."

She rose from her chair and strode out quickly.

---

The VIP karaoke room was dimly lit, filled with the mix of expensive cologne and alcohol. In the corner, Neil sat on a leather sofa, arms crossed. His expression was serious-tense, even-as if his mind was elsewhere, far from the late-night revelry.

Beside him, his personal assistant Leon busied himself with his phone, glancing nervously at his boss from time to time.

"Mr. Neil," Leon spoke softly. "Are you sure she'll come alone tonight?"

Neil didn't answer right away. He stared straight ahead, as though waiting for something invisible to appear.

"She'll come," he finally said. "She knows who I am."

Moments later, the door opened slowly. A woman walked in with graceful, confident steps. The deep purple bodycon dress fit her slender frame perfectly, every curve exuding allure. Her polite smile, however, kept a subtle distance. It was Lena.

Neil turned his head, watching her without moving a muscle.

"Is there something I can do for you, Mr. Neil?" Lena asked, her voice polite but flat. That social smile was like a mask-a survival weapon in a ruthless world.

Neil leaned back casually, though his eyes traced her figure from head to toe without pause.

"As usual... my boss asked for your company tonight," he finally said.

Lena offered a thin smile. "I'm very sorry, but tonight I'm truly busy. I've been away for more than a week, and there's a backlog of work waiting for me."

Neil narrowed his eyes, one brow lifting. "You're refusing me?"

The atmosphere in the room shifted-colder, heavier.

"That's not what I mean, sir. It's just-"

"I thought you understood business, Miss Selena," Neil cut her off, his voice low and weighted with pressure. "In this kind of business, guest satisfaction comes first. If you keep acting this way, your business might collapse before you even realize it."

God... here we go again, Lena thought bitterly. Always wrapping threats in sweet words.

She drew in a quiet breath, then forced a small smile-one that was no longer genuine.

"Alright," she said at last. "I'll keep you company tonight."

Leon glanced at Neil with a satisfied look, as if they had just scored a victory.

Lena walked gracefully and sat beside Neil, keeping enough distance to remain polite, but making her boundaries clear. Music began to play. Leon grabbed a microphone, while one of the hostesses danced beside him. The sound system blared.

"Come on, Mr. Neil! Your favorite song!" Leon shouted, shaking his body, drawing laughter from the hostess.

Neil only gave a faint smile, sipping his drink, his eyes flicking occasionally to the clock on the wall.

Lena forced another smile. Time dragged on painfully. Almost 11 p.m. already. Anxiety crept in. What if her in-laws-or worse, he-found out she hadn't come home yet?

"You look restless," Neil said suddenly, raising his glass to his lips.

Lena froze for a moment, startled by the question.

She turned slightly and smiled softly. "No, just a bit dizzy. The music's quite loud."

Neil squinted. "Strange. You own a karaoke business, yet you're dizzy from singing?"

Lena almost confessed the truth-that she never liked this place, that none of this had ever been her choice. The business had been forced on her by her husband's family. But she swallowed the words.

"I rarely spend time in these rooms, sir. Usually, I'm in the office or handling operations."

Neil chuckled faintly. "A diplomatic answer. You really do know how to play the game, don't you?"

Lena wasn't sure what he meant, but she smiled again-her heart pounding, praying for the night to end soon.