226-230

Chapter 226: Angelina Jolie’s Backyard

Around 3 p.m., Luca drove to Angelina Jolie's ocean-view villa, invited to attend a party.

The villa was less than two miles from Safreed Beach, perched on a steep cliff overlooking the ocean, with a black-and-white main structure. Sea birds often perched on the black roof, giving the house a castle-like appearance from afar.

As Luca arrived at the entrance, the imposing black gate automatically opened, and he drove straight in. A neatly trimmed lawn and perfectly landscaped greenery lined the driveway that led to the villa.

Sprinklers were busy watering the grass, and gardeners were pushing lawnmowers, trimming the edges. When Luca reached the outdoor parking area, he was puzzled. There were more than a dozen parking spots, but only one orange-red sports car was there—the rest were empty.

The villa itself was eerily quiet, lacking the lively atmosphere one would expect. Had he arrived too early?

“Mr. Kelly, this way, please!”

As he got out of the car, a maid approached him. Dressed in a brown uniform, she reminded him of the nanny he’d seen at the supermarket last time.

“Hello, ma’am. Has the party started?” Luca politely asked as he handed her a gift.

“Party?” The maid looked confused for a moment but shook her head and led the way inside.

Luca raised an eyebrow. No party? Then why had she invited him here?

That morning, the woman had nearly caused him to crash. What game was she playing this time?

“Mr. Kelly, please come in. Ms. Jolie is waiting for you in the backyard.”

The maid pushed open the grand entrance doors, revealing a long hallway with high ceilings, a large chandelier, and luxurious plaster and marble decorations. It was quite opulent.

Should he go in? Luca hesitated.

Jolie had a reputation in Hollywood as a bad girl with endless scandals. The news said she had experimented with drugs, had wild relationships, and engaged in self-harm. Her three husbands had all been married when they met her, and at her wedding, she had even drawn blood to symbolize her commitment.

In 2001, she allegedly hired a hitman to kill her, and her father thought she had mental health issues.

She had just divorced in May and was now single.

If she was planning to play games, Luca wasn’t sure he wanted any part of it. His life was already full of rumors, and he didn't want to add to the drama and gain a bad reputation.

“Mr. Kelly?” The maid’s voice interrupted his thoughts, her expression curious.

“It’s fine,” Luca smiled. He was already here. How could he back out now? What kind of man would he be if he didn’t even dare to walk through a door?

Following the maid, Luca walked down the hallway. The interior of the villa was decorated in a modern classical style, lavish and clearly expensive. However, the black-and-white color scheme felt somewhat stern and made the house seem lonely for a single occupant.

In comparison, Luca thought his current villa was just right—a cozy 0.6-acre space, small but refined, something he could manage alone and make feel like home.

Houses like Jolie’s or Tom Hanks’ were more suited for investments than living.

“Mr. Kelly, this way, please.”

The maid opened a door, revealing a guest dressing room with a stack of white robes on the table, resembling pajamas.

“No, thank you. I’ll just say hello and be on my way,” Luca declined politely.

The maid glanced at him and nodded slightly. “This way, Mr. Kelly.”

Luca sighed internally, thinking this was turning into more of a hassle than he had expected, and followed her out of the room.

As the maid opened the large glass doors at the end of the corridor, sunlight flooded in, and his view suddenly broadened. In the distance, the blue sky and ocean stretched out, visible from the villa’s backyard.

It was a spacious area with a lawn, flowerbeds, a gazebo, a golf putting green, and a long rectangular swimming pool. The water in the pool sparkled under the sunlight.

In the pool, a figure in a black bikini was swimming gracefully underwater, like a mermaid. She had long legs and a curvy figure, her movements captivating.

With a click, the maid left, closing the door behind her. Now, Luca was alone in the backyard with the mermaid in the pool.

Luca smirked. This was starting to feel like a scene out of a dramatic novel.

With a splash, the mermaid swam to the edge of the pool, raised her head, and slicked back her long hair. Water trickled down her face, over her red lips, and onto her collarbone and chest before falling back into the pool.

“Luca, you made it!” Jolie called from the water, smiling.

“Ms. Jolie, has the party started?” Luca replied with a light chuckle.

“Yes, the moment you walked in, the party began. You’re the guest, and I’m the host—our little private party. How about that?” Jolie climbed out of the pool, her body covered in tattoos that added to her rebellious allure.

“Sounds cool!” Luca shrugged.

Jolie smiled, bending sensuously as she grabbed a towel to dry herself. She looked him over, noting his almost formal casual outfit—tall, handsome, and dignified.

“I told you to wear whatever you wanted. Why do you look like you're attending an awards ceremony?”

“I thought it would be a big party,” Luca said, loosening his jacket as the heat started to get to him.

“A big party?” Jolie laughed, reclining on a lounge chair and gesturing to the empty one beside her. “To throw a party, you need friends. Do you think I have many friends?”

Luca smiled wryly. Jolie was notorious in Hollywood for having no friends. Women were wary of her stealing their husbands, and men mostly wanted to sleep with her.

Luca sat on the heated leather chair, feeling the heat seeping into his body as sweat began to form on his back.

Jolie chuckled softly and picked up a glass of wine. “Cheers!”

“Thank you,” Luca said, taking a small sip.

“Luca, you’re nothing like the rumors,” Jolie remarked, studying him from the chair.

“Rumors?” Luca raised an eyebrow. “What do the rumors say about me?”

“They say you’re a drunk, a drug addict, and a womanizer. Didn’t you once hire two escorts and not pay them? I heard your sister had to cover the bill. Is that true?” Jolie laughed, leaning back.

Luca felt a moment of embarrassment but quickly regained his composure. Those were mistakes from his past life—he was a different person now.

“You were wild, reckless, but very cool. Now, do you know what you are?” Jolie asked, her long lashes fluttering as she smiled mysteriously.

“Please, tell me, Ms. Jolie,” Luca gestured for her to continue.

Jolie shook her head. “You were like me once. Now you’re a man trapped in a cage. Conservative, restrained, repressed—a good man in society’s eyes. You’ve lost your edge and the thing that made you special.”

Luca frowned slightly but smiled back. “Ms. Jolie, you’re right. I’m changing, becoming the good man people expect me to be. I’ve gone from nonconformist to mainstream. But haven’t you done the same?”

“You’ve adopted children, dedicated yourself to charity, and focused on war-torn areas. Aren’t you trying to become the person society wants you to be too?”

Jolie’s blue-gray eyes flickered, considering his words. “You’re right. We’re the same. We’re both trying to be good people. You saved a baby’s life. I adopted an orphan. Our stories are quite similar, aren’t they?”

“Yes, but you’re more admirable—you became a mother,” Luca raised his glass to her.

Jolie hummed softly, walking toward the pool and swaying her hips seductively. “Luca, are you sure you don’t want to swim?”

“I’m fine, thank you,” Luca replied, feeling the sweat soaking through his shirt.

He wasn’t about to let himself get into a risky situation without knowing what was going on.

“Luca, do you know what you remind me of right now?” Jolie asked with a teasing smile, staring into his eyes. “You’re like a beast trapped in a cage. Your eyes are filled with desire—naked desire. You want me, badly, but your restraint is like an iron cage, holding you back.”

She suddenly grabbed his hand and placed it on her chest. “This is the key. Your key is right here!”

Luca froze, his hand stiffening.

“Yes, just like that,” Jolie bit her lip, a satisfied smile on her face as her hand slid down.

“Luca, we’re the same. Neither of us really wants to be good. We’re just forced to change because we need to. Deep down, we both crave to be like we used to be—free and wild.

“Luca, I understand you. So why don’t we cut to the chase?”

Her actions became bolder.

Roca frowned slightly. "Jolie, you're right. We changed because we needed to, but I wasn’t forced into it."

"I know why I need to be better, and for whom. That's why we're different."

As he spoke, he pushed Julie's shoulder and slowly stood up.

"You're rejecting me?!"

Julie furrowed her brow and coldly said,

"You're rejecting me at a time like this?"

"Sorry, I just don't want to disappoint them!"

Roca zipped up his jacket and turned towards the back door.

"Haha, Roca, I bet you'll come down to swim with me. I'll be waiting for you in the water."

Julie smirked, and with a splash, she jumped into the pool.

Roca shook his head, walked over to the door, and gave it a pull. Click—the door didn't open.

"Jolie, what are you doing?"

"Haha, what do you think?"

Julie pulled a key from her chest and smiled smugly.

"There's no other exit from the backyard. Now you have two choices:

One, jump off the cliff.

Or two, catch me in the pool. What will you choose?"

"…"

(End of chapter)

*Chapter 227: The Battle*

"Mr. Kelly, what's your choice?"

Under the sunlight, Jolie stood in the pool wearing a black swimsuit, her lips curled into a mischievous smile, like a black lotus blooming on the River Styx.

Luca walked toward the pool, unbuttoning his coat and loosening his shirt collar as he went.

It was three or four o’clock in Malibu, and the sun was blazing down as if it were free.

After half an hour of sunbathing, his underwear was drenched with sweat. He needed some cool air.

“I told you you'd come down and join me. How does it feel now?”

Jolie smirked, her eyes gleaming with triumph as she gazed at his handsome face, strong chest, and long legs. She fluttered her eyelashes at him.

“Luca, do you know? I love seeing you like this — like a wild beast, wanting to escape my cage but powerless to do so.”

“Oh, really?”

Luca replied indifferently.

“What else? Are you going to choose the first option?”

Jolie laughed and made a gesture, "This cliff is only 228 meters high, with the sea below. Maybe you could give it a try. If you succeed, I'll applaud you. If you fail, I'll collect your body.

How’s that? Am I not a good person?”

Luca shook his head slightly and stood at the edge of the pool, looking down at her.

“Dear Miss Jolie, do you think I can't pull you out of there?”

“Of course you can, you're a man. But if you come down, I'll definitely escape your grasp. Come on down~”

“I don't need to come down.”

Luca shook his head, a wicked smile curling his lips.

“Sorry, excuse me.”

Suddenly, he began to unfasten his pants.

Swoosh!

“You!!”

Jolie glared at his actions, her face turning red, white, and then black with fury.

“Luca Kelly, you're the most rude, shameless, despicable scumbag I've ever met!”

Luca shrugged and smiled, "Sorry, Jolie, you know me. I was a scumbag, and I still am.

And the solution I come up with is, naturally, a scumbag's solution.

But you're a scumbag too. Don't you like me dealing with you this way?”

Jolie stared coldly at him, silent, her eyes filled with anger.

“Sorry, Jolie. I didn't want to do this. Now, please come up!”

Luca gestured with open arms.

“You think you've won, huh?”

Jolie suddenly laughed.

“Don’t I?”

“Haha, you underestimate me!”

Jolie slowly submerged herself in the water.

Luca's expression changed—this woman was insane.

“Haha, what is this? You should know that I'm six years older than you. I've seen and played with more than you ever could. So, what does this matter?”

Jolie spat, seeing his face grow dark with frustration, feeling even more triumphant.

“You really won’t come up?”

Luca frowned.

“No, scumbag. You've successfully angered me. Now, I'm going to really play with you. Watch this.”

Jolie grinned evilly and slowly crouched at the bottom of the pool, making the water cloudy.

Luca was stunned for a moment.

“If you want the key, then come down here and try your luck. Maybe I'll consider giving it to you.”

Jolie made a "please" gesture, looking extremely pleased with herself.

Luca sighed slightly—this woman was too troublesome.

“What are you hesitating for? Do you have another option? If you want to jump off the cliff, then go ahead!”

Jolie taunted smugly.

“Foolish woman, don't you know there's a control system beside the pool?”

Luca shook his head, walked to the side of the pool, and opened the drainage valve.

Swoosh!

The water began draining visibly.

“You bastard! Bastard!!”

Jolie yelled angrily, splashing water at him.

Luca stepped back slightly, smiling faintly, "Jolie, the water is dirty. I’m helping you change it. Shouldn't you be grateful?”

“You bastard, I'm going to kill you!”

Jolie was furious, feeling defeated. As the global sex symbol, with unbeatable charm, she had never failed to win over anyone. Yet today, she lost twice in a row to a 21-year-old kid. Unacceptable.

“Okay, Miss Jolie, the game is over. Now hand over the key.”

Luca extended his hand from the poolside.

“Hmph, you think you've won?”

Jolie shot him a cold look before pulling a key from her chest. It was about three or four inches long, intricately designed, and glittered like a work of art.

“Want it?”

Jolie waved the key before him, and then, with a mischievous smile, tossed it over the cliff.

“Stop!”

Ding—the key became a shining speck as it disappeared over the edge.

“Oops, my hand slipped.”

Jolie laughed loudly, patting his shoulder, and walked over to the pavilion, lying down on the sofa.

“Dear Luca, round two of the game has begun.

Now, there's only the two of us in this entire estate, and there are only two ways out of the back garden.

One, jump off the cliff.

Two, find the electric switch for the big gate.

Only I know where the switch is.

If you want to find out from me, come and play my game. Once I'm happy, I'll let you go.”

Luca frowned slightly, “Jolie, why are you doing this? I haven’t wronged you.”

Jolie took a sip of red wine, staring at him as she spoke slowly,

“You know, the first time I saw you was on TV, when you and your sister were doing a talk show.

On camera, you looked so handsome and upright, but also fake and pretentious—a phony good guy, repulsive.

Later, I heard about your scandal with Britney in a car, selling your body to push your book, and I was even more convinced.

You’re just a male model sleeping your way up. Why act all righteous? I didn’t like you.

Then rumors started about you and Aniston.

They said you were Mr. Big.

That’s when I became a little interested—just a little.

Until I saw you in person at the supermarket.”

Jolie eyed him arrogantly and critically.

“You do have some good looks, and your body fits my tastes, so I decided I wanted you.

But before that, I had to confirm if the rumors were true. After testing you earlier today, you’re quite good.

I smelled something irresistible on you, and I became intrigued.

I couldn't wait to conquer you.

I know you like to act proper, so I politely invited you to my party.

In my mind, we would swim, drink wine, chat, kiss, and then I’d take you to my room.

I planned to treat you very gently, according to your wishes.

But you ruined it.”

Jolie slammed her hand down on the sofa, her gaze suddenly turning furious.

“You dared reject me!”

“I had the right.”

Luca replied calmly.

“Haha, yes, you did, you had the right to resist.”

Jolie laughed loudly, her excitement growing, her eyes locking onto him with fiery passion.

“At first, I liked your body but hated your character. I was just going to taste you and let you go.

But your resistance awakened my desire to conquer you.

I find you cute, even fun.

Dear Luca, you know what? I think I might be falling for you.”

Luca shook his head, “Jolie, stop playing. We’re not the same.”

“How can you say that?

You just peed in the pool, just like me—rude, shameless, perverted.

You’re irresistible. So, I’m going to keep playing with you.

Now it’s your choice: jump off the cliff or continue the game?”

Jolie swirled her wine glass, smiling.

Luca stared at her for a moment.

“Jolie, do you really like my rudeness, my shamelessness, my perversion?”

“Yes, those are your most charming traits, the ones that attract me the most.”

Jolie smiled brightly.

“Alright, I understand.”

“Understand what?”

“The rules of the game.”

Luca rolled up his sleeves and slowly walked into the pavilion.

He rudely snatched the wine glass from Jolie’s hand and drank it all in one gulp.

“Haha, that’s more like it! Let’s play. If you do well, I’ll give you that car.”

“Sure.”

Luca suddenly grabbed a bottle of wine and poured the entire contents over her.

“Bastard, what are you doing?!”

“What do you think?”

Luca smiled wickedly.

---

End of chapter.

*Chapter 228: I'm Really a Good Person*

Twenty minutes later, Jolie slowly woke up on the couch.

"You bastard! How dare you treat me like this? I swear, I'll kill you! I’ll definitely kill you!"

"Really? Don’t you like it rough, shameless, and twisted? Isn't this your game?"

"What’s wrong? Can’t handle it?"

Luca gently stroked her cheek and lips, smiling faintly. "Dear, you know me. I'm actually a good person."

"Gentle, considerate, and polite.

I really didn’t want to treat you this way, but you were being so disobedient."

"Ha! What kind of good person are you?

You’re nothing but a whore! You slept with Britney for fame.

And then you got with Aniston to make it in Hollywood.

Who’s next? How much to sleep with you?

Ten thousand? A hundred thousand? A million?"

Luca’s eye twitched. He wiped the spit from his face and slowly stood up. He unbuttoned his shirt and said coldly,

"Jolie, I have things to do. I don't have time for your nonsense."

"You have only one choice: open the door, or I’ll show you just how shameless I can be!"

"Hmph! Go ahead, you think I’m scared of you? You bastard, hillbilly, hypocrite!"

Jolie angrily shouted, excited.

Luca grinned broadly.

"Dear, you're right, I'm a hypocrite... but I'm also twisted!"

"Bastard, what do you want?!"

"What do you think?"

"Wow, is this the Pear Tree Estate? It looks amazing!"

On the balcony of the villa at Pear Tree Estate, Miranda gazed down at the grounds.

The lawn, sports field, greenery, outdoor pool, and gazebo, with the distant mountains and sea...

She instantly fell in love with the place.

"Do you like it? If you do, why not stay?"

Kate took off her sunglasses and glanced around, noticing the patch of grass chewed up by a dog, smirking.

"Yes, it’s great! We can play tennis, swim, and see the ocean.

Maybe we could get some pets. I love dogs. Kate, why don’t we get a few?"

Miranda clapped her hands excitedly.

Kate shook her head and walked into Luca’s bedroom.

"Why not?"

Miranda asked, confused.

"The last time I tried to get a dog, Luca said it wouldn’t grow enough meat to be worth eating after a year,"

Lima said as she walked over, having changed clothes.

"Eat?!"

Miranda's eyes widened. "Is Luca really that bad?"

"Yes, worse than you think."

"What about a cat? He wouldn’t eat a cat, would he?"

"Ha, maybe we could give it a try!"

Lima tied up her hair and pulled out two tennis rackets. "Want to play?"

"OK, let me change!"

Miranda picked up her heels and headed to the bedroom.

In Luca's room, Kate pulled open the curtains, and sunlight poured in, illuminating every corner.

She ran her fingers across the sofa, blanket, wall lamp, wardrobe, bed, and desk.

She even rummaged through his underwear drawer, pillow, sheets, and trash can.

Finally, she found a few crumpled pages under the pillow—Fifty Shades of Grey.

Kate read a few lines, her expression slowly becoming strange.

"Tying up, domination, twisted fantasies... When did this bastard get into such kinky stuff?

Is this for me?

Oh, this guy really deserves a beating!"

Kate raised an eyebrow, ready to tear the pages, but stopped.

As perverse as it was, it was actually written quite well. It would be a shame to destroy it.

"This guy must have gone too long without a beating.

When I get some time, I’ll make sure to teach him a lesson.

Otherwise, who knows what he’ll turn into."

Kate rubbed her wrists, smiling excitedly.

She read the pages carefully again.

"It’s really well written. Should I try playing out some of these scenes with him?"

"Kate, are you playing tennis?"

Miranda asked from the doorway.

"You go ahead. I want to rest a bit."

Kate put the pages away.

"Are you reading Luca’s diary?"

Miranda asked with a mischievous grin, as if she had caught Kate doing something naughty.

Kate smiled faintly. "Dear, this is an erotic novel Luca wrote. Want to take a look?"

"Really?"

Miranda peeked at the pages, her mouth slowly opening, her cheeks turning red.

"Did he really write this? How can he be so bad, so perverted?"

Miranda only read a bit before she was too embarrassed to continue.

"Yes, Luca’s been living alone for too long. He’s gotten a little twisted.

You’d better be careful around him."

Kate said with a smirk.

"Got it!"

Miranda nodded and ran downstairs.

Kate put the pages away and pulled out her phone.

"Hey, Luca, where are you? A party?

Wait, I hear someone crying.

Jolie’s kids?

Okay, when are you coming back?"

"Kate, are you there already? Okay, I’ll be right back!"

Luca hung up and released his grip, saying,

"Jolie, you heard that. I have things to do and can’t play with you anymore. Now open the door!"

"No way, you bastard, you devil, you pervert!"

Jolie bit her red lips, her face flushed with excitement.

Luca shook his head and picked up two wine bottles.

"Fine, I’ll just break down the door!"

"Stop! Don’t you dare!

If you break down the door, I’ll call the police and tell them you broke in and assaulted me.

Haha, little devil,

do you think our story will make the front page of all the major media outlets?"

Luca paused and looked at her for a moment before flashing a bright smile,

"Dear, thanks for the idea. I should call the police and have them help me open the door."

He pulled out his phone.

"Would you dare?"

Jolie scoffed.

"Would you?"

Luca smiled lightly.

They stared at each other, locking eyes in silence.

"How about we make peace?"

Luca said casually.

"Sure, as long as you let me tie you to the couch and humiliate you, I’ll consider it."

Jolie gritted her teeth.

"Forget it, I’ll break down the door!"

"Go ahead. It's bulletproof glass. Good luck, dear Luca!"

Jolie laughed.

Luca frowned and stepped closer to inspect it. Sure enough, it was thick bulletproof glass.

"What do you want?!"

He asked, irritated.

"The game isn’t over. How can you leave now?"

Jolie stared at him, her eyes a complex mix of excitement, anger, love, hatred, and madness.

"What if I admit defeat?"

"Fine. Kneel, call me Master, and lick my feet clean!"

"...Woman, you brought this on yourself."

Luca sighed, grabbing some towels and golf gear.

"Bastard, what are you doing?"

Jolie trembled.

"What do you think? I really wanted to be a good person,

but you forced me—

forced me to give up my principles, my integrity, my dignity.

Ha! Dear, I must admit, you're good."

Luca unbuckled his belt, flashing a wicked smile.

"Devil! I will never submit!"

Half an hour later, Luca left the villa peacefully.

Looking at the neat lawn, lush greenery, and wide driveway in the front yard,

and remembering the chaos inside,

he muttered to himself, "Buddha, forgive me. It’s not that I wanted to become a demon, but I was forced into it."

"Peace, peace!"

(Chapter ends)

*Chapter 229: Fracture*

"Haha, Lima, watch my spike!"

"Bring it on!"

It was just past 4 PM, and the California sun was beginning to dip in the west.

On the tennis court at Big Pear Tree Estate, Miranda jumped up and swung her racket hard, slamming a light green tennis ball back over the net.

She was dressed in a pink tank top and a white skirt, with her bright chestnut curls tied up.

As she leaped, her skirt and hair flew up, brimming with youthful energy.

"Nice shot!"

The ball sailed over the net, landing in the backhand zone, quickly bouncing off the red rubber floor.

Lima locked in on the angle and swung her racket powerfully, sending the ball flying back.

She was dressed in a tennis outfit: a T-shirt and a skirt.

Her sun-kissed skin shimmered under the sunlight, and her curvaceous figure radiated health and vitality as she moved.

"Haha, Miranda, it's 10–6!"

After winning another point, Lima happily kissed her racket, a wide smile spreading across her face.

"You're just ahead for now; I'll catch up soon—oh, Luca, you're back!"

Miranda suddenly stopped playing and looked past Lima, calling out excitedly.

"Enough, Miranda! You've pulled this trick on me twice already. Do you think I'll fall for it again?"

Lima bent over, holding her racket sideways, staring intently at Miranda.

Miranda had already tricked her with this twice before, so this time Lima wasn’t going to fall for it.

"It's true this time, really!"

Miranda pointed her racket behind Lima.

Lima frowned slightly. She sensed something familiar behind her—maybe even a scent.

She stood up straight, turned around, and was immediately pulled into a hug.

"You're back!"

Luca embraced Lima, gently kissing her cheek.

"Aren’t you supposed to be at the party? Why are you back so early?" Lima playfully touched her nose to his.

Luca shrugged. "I'm not really into parties. Plus, you're all here—what could be better than this?"

"Alright!"

Lima smiled, then wrinkled her nose.

"Aren’t you coming from the party? Why do you smell so bad?"

"Smelly?"

Luca sniffed his shirt and sighed. "Julie adopted a two-year-old kid named Mox.

He was super clingy with me and wouldn’t stop wanting to be held. I carried him for a while, and then..."

"Haha, don't tell me he peed on you?"

Lima burst into laughter.

"Worse than that!"

"Ugh! Go take a shower!"

Lima fanned her nose, making a face.

Luca threw his hands up and walked toward the other side of the court.

"Hey, Miranda! Welcome to Big Pear Tree Estate. I hope you like it here!"

"Thanks, you creep!"

Miranda held her racket defensively across her chest.

"Uh... how do you know—cough, cough. Miranda, did I do something wrong?"

Luca was secretly shocked. Could she have x-ray vision and seen what happened in Julie's backyard?

"Miranda, what’s going on?" Lima asked curiously.

"Lima, Luca is writing that kind of novel. A really creepy one."

Miranda reported, as if giving a news bulletin.

Lima turned to Luca with curiosity. "You're writing that kind of novel?"

Luca blinked, suddenly remembering the manuscript in his room. He shook his head.

"It’s not some dirty novel. It’s a script—literature, Miranda! Can you try being a little more innocent?"

"Really? But Kate said that being stuck at home alone for too long has turned you into a pervert, which is why you're writing it."

Miranda blinked innocently.

"Alright, I’m going to have a word with her!"

Luca waved dismissively and started toward the villa.

After taking a few steps, he suddenly turned around and asked, "Is Kate’s boyfriend here, too?"

Lima paused for a moment before bursting out laughing. "Yes, yes, he came with us."

"Really?"

Luca hesitated at the doorway, sighed, and then walked inside.

"Miranda, let’s continue!"

Lima smiled softly.

Miranda looked at his retreating figure, hesitating. "Do you think he’ll accept us?"

"Haha, Miranda, what did you just call him?"

"Uh... a creep."

"Well, if he’s already a creep, what’s left to accept?"

"I guess you’re right."

Miranda beamed. "Lima, let’s get back to the game!"

"Let’s do it!"

"Kate?"

Once inside the villa, Luca searched both upstairs and downstairs but couldn’t find her.

He stepped onto the balcony and scanned the surroundings until his eyes caught a glimpse of something pale near the pool.

It was almost 5 PM, but the sun was still lingering stubbornly in the backyard.

The light illuminated the elegant pavilion, the light blue pool water, and the gleaming white marble.

On the eastern side of the pool, a row of long lounge chairs stretched out.

In the middle of them, a mermaid of a woman was leisurely flipping through the pages of a book.

She was wearing a blue bikini, sunglasses perched on her nose, and her long legs crossed as she basked in the clear sunlight, both graceful and sexy.

"Kate, I’m here!"

Luca, now wearing swim trunks, jumped off the balcony into the pool.

Splash!

Water splattered everywhere.

"You jerk! Do you have a death wish?"

Kate flicked water off her face, glaring at the pool.

"Haha, Kate, you're here! That’s great!"

Luca stood in the water, arms stretched wide, grinning.

"Oh, really? Do you know what it means now that I’m here?"

Kate closed her book, uncrossed her long legs, and stood up slowly, exuding the aura of a queen.

"What does it mean?"

Luca blinked in confusion.

"It means someone’s about to get beaten!"

Standing by the pool, Kate rubbed her wrist lightly and said in a flat tone, "Get up here quickly, or I won’t be nice about it."

"Haha, knowing you want to hit me, why would I come up willingly? Do you think I’m that dumb?"

Luca chuckled.

"You sure you’re not coming up?"

"Yes!"

"You think you're safe in the water? Don’t forget, I’m the one who taught you how to swim."

"Haha, so what? I’m not the same beginner I used to be."

"Is that so?"

With a graceful leap, Kate dove into the pool.

Splash!

The water churned wildly in the pool.

"Haha, Kate, I’m not afraid of you in the water—ah! Don’t hit my face! Don’t choke my neck!"

"Cough, cough—I’m out of breath! Stop, stop, I surrender!"

Amid the splashing and shouting, Kate casually walked out of the pool.

Dangling from her fingers was an ear—attached to Luca, who looked utterly defeated.

"Ow! Kate, go easy on me! You’ve got a boyfriend now, you shouldn’t be so violent anymore. It’s not a good look!"

Luca hunched over, twitching in pain, looking absolutely miserable.

"Boyfriend?"

"Yeah, where’s your boyfriend? I looked everywhere and didn’t see another man around."

Luca asked curiously.

"Did I ever say I had a boyfriend?"

"That night... doesn’t that count?"

Luca froze for a moment before suddenly jumping up in excitement.

But he forgot his ear was still in Kate’s grip, causing him to yelp in pain and collapse to the ground.

One moment laughing, the next wincing, his face a mix of emotions.

"Kate, were you lying to me?"

Luca looked up, eyes full of hope.

Kate stared at his face before breaking into a soft laugh.

She crouched down, cupping his face, gazing at his strong brows, high nose, and red lips, before gently smiling. "Alright, dummy, I was just teasing you."

"Really? That’s great, that’s so great!"

Luca hugged her tightly. "Kate, I love you. No one can ever take your place in my heart."

"I know."

Kate patted his shoulder, smiling softly.

"Then why did you say you had one before?"

"Dummy, I wasn’t lying, and I’ll never lie to you. Past, present, or future—I’ll never deceive you. I didn’t lie to you the last time, either."

Kate smiled faintly, explaining the situation.

"Really? Is that how it was?"

Luca was surprised.

"Yes. Does it bother you?"

Kate asked with a smile.

"Of course not. But Kate, you don’t have to do that."

Cupping her delicate face, Luca said softly, "Even though I don’t want you to have a boyfriend or be taken away by someone else, I want you to live a happy life.

All the wealth, beauty, and success I have—I want you to have it too.

The reason I argued with you before is because I was too selfish.

I only thought about myself and never considered your feelings.

When I was with Lima and Britney, I didn’t stop to think about you being alone at night.

But now I’ve figured it out. We’re siblings, the closest people in the world.

As long as I’m around and you’re doing well, it doesn’t matter where you are or who you’re with—our hearts will always be together. We’ll never be lonely.

So, Kate, I don’t need you to change anything for me. That wouldn’t make you happy."

Kate stared into his eyes, a hint of tears flickering in her deep blue gaze. She smiled gently and said, "Yes, you're selfish, very selfish.

But you're my brother, my dearest brother. What's the harm in being a little selfish?

My love for you has never lessened because of your selfishness.

And it won't increase now just because you're being selfless.

Because, like I said, all my love belongs to you."

The white clouds drifted across the evening sky, painting the western horizon with a glowing sunset.

The breeze blew through the willow branches, like a shepherd's whip driving the sun to set.

Kate held his face and smiled slightly,

"Fool, stop getting emotional. I'm not changing for you. It's always been like this.

It’s just that I hadn’t made it public before because of work. Don’t you think my relationship with Lima is great?"

"Lima?!"

Luca's eyes widened in shock.

Kate chuckled softly, leaned on his shoulder, and whispered, "Dear brother, you're still like you were when we were kids, always left with what I’m done playing with."

Luca's mouth twitched.

"Alright, now that we've cleared things up—no, I don’t have a boyfriend—it's time to settle a score."

Suddenly, Kate's face turned cold, and she grabbed his ear.

"A score? What score?"

Luca was still stuck on the last question, his mind a little foggy.

"What do you think?"

Kate pressed him down onto the lounge chair, fuming.

"Idiot! You've been acting so badly lately.

Last time I told you I was dating someone, you actually hung up on me! You even went missing! Do you know how worried I was?

Every time I called, you’d act all distant and passive-aggressive with me. Do you know how angry that made me?

You didn’t call me back for days because you were upset. You didn’t even say goodnight. Do you know how much I wanted to hit you?

And eating watermelon by the lake with someone else? You actually kept that from me?!"

"Kate, I know I was wrong. Please don’t be mad."

Luca lay flat on the bench, sounding defeated.

"Hmph! Just saying you're sorry isn’t enough!

I told you I’m the only one in this world who loves you completely, who accepts you fully, who gives you all of me. And you didn't believe me?

You really need a beating!"

Smack, smack!

"Ah! My face! Stop hitting me, Kate, I know I was wrong!"

Smack, smack!

"Your Majesty, please have mercy!"

"Too late! I’ve been mad for over a month. If I don’t hit you, I won't feel better. Do you want me to stay upset?"

"No, I don’t!"

"Good. Now, triangle choke!"

Slap, snap!

"Luca, what was that sound? It was so crisp!"

"Nothing, just my finger breaking!"

"..."

**Chapter 230: The Sun**

In the villa, Luca sat on the sofa, his right hand in a sling, looking frustrated.

He had been beaten by Kate countless times, but he had gotten used to the game. He knew how to take the hits without getting hurt, and he knew how to get hit in a way that satisfied Kate.

Not to brag, but when it came to taking a beating, he was practically a professional.

But this time, in the midst of getting hit, he got a little too happy and let his guard down.

His finger accidentally got stuck in the ventilation hole of the recliner.

With a "crack," the tragedy unfolded.

Luca silently blamed himself. A mistake like this in his area of expertise was just unacceptable.

"Honey, I'm sorry. I didn’t mean to break your finger. How about you hit me a few times?" Kate said, dressed in blue jeans that accentuated her long, slender legs and curvy figure, looking a bit adorable.

"Remember, you can only use your right hand. If you use your left, I’ll definitely be mad. And you know what happens when I’m mad!" she warned.

Luca glanced at her rear, then at his right hand wrapped in a cast, and graciously replied, "No need, Kate. Today’s incident was my mistake, not yours. How could I punish you for my own mistake?"

"Hmm, you’re right. After all those beatings, you still haven't learned!" Kate teased.

"..."

"Ha-ha, Kate's so fierce!" Miranda, who was lounging on the sofa, covered her mouth, laughing.

"Kate, you went a bit too hard on him this time," Lima said, walking into the living room with a freshly squeezed juice.

"Sorry, Lima. It was my fault this time. I’ll be more careful next time. But don’t worry, it's just a dislocated finger. It won’t affect tonight," Kate said with a soft laugh.

"Really?" Miranda blinked mischievously.

"..."

Kate and Lima both turned to look at Miranda, making her blush.

Luca glanced around at the three beautiful women. Was this Kate’s harem?

"Drink up, rehydrate," Lima said, sitting beside him and handing him the glass. "Still hurts?"

Luca shook his head and smiled, "It’s just a dislocation. It doesn’t hurt once it’s set. The cast is totally unnecessary."

"Shame it’s only dislocated. If it were broken, I wouldn’t have to do the job myself. Now I’ll have to put in some effort." Lima’s tone suddenly turned cold as she pulled out a baseball bat from behind the sofa.

It was the same one from her New York apartment, and she had brought it all the way to Los Angeles.

"Lima, what’s that for?" Luca asked, startled as he sipped his juice.

"Lima, considering he's already hurt, how about we let him off this time?" Kate suggested with a sly smile.

"Kate, we agreed before coming here that we'd teach him a lesson. You can’t go back on your word!" Lima protested.

Kate chuckled lightly, "But he’s injured now. How could you hit a disabled person?"

"Yes, Lima. Luca’s already been through a lot. If you must hit him, at least don’t use the bat. How about a pillow instead?" Miranda sweetly offered, handing over a fruit knife instead, its blade gleaming.

Both Kate and Lima stared at Miranda. "Are you trying to make things worse?"

"Oops, sorry, wrong thing!" Miranda quickly put the knife down, blushing.

"Whatever, go ahead and hit him," she said, sitting cross-legged on the sofa, eating blueberries while eagerly watching.

"Wait, can anyone explain why I’m about to get hit?" Luca asked, looking confused.

"You cheated, and someone caught it on camera. Don't you think you deserve a beating?" Miranda teased.

In the past, she might have urged Lima to go easy on him. But now, with a certain pervert, there was no need for mercy.

"Cheating evidence?" Luca panicked for a second but quickly calmed down.

In the past year, the only person he had cheated with was Britney. His encounters with Charlize Theron and Rachel were more like two beautiful misunderstandings.

He and Britney had been careful, doing everything they could to hide their relationship. Still, with half of the paparazzi making a living off Britney, it was possible someone had caught them.

Could it be Britney?

Kate tossed a magazine onto the table with a thud.

"Take a look."

"Hmph!" Kate pulled Lima over to sit across from him, forming a makeshift court alongside Miranda, ready to prosecute Luca's misdeeds.

"World Photography?" Luca hesitated. 

**World Photography** was a serious, well-respected magazine—a holy grail for photographers and enthusiasts alike. Getting a picture published there was an honor, much like making it into *Vogue* in the fashion world.

He was confused. Since when did *World Photography* start doing celebrity gossip?

"Just look at it. What are you afraid of?" Kate smirked, crossing her long legs.

"I’m not afraid!" Luca wiped the sweat from his brow. "It’s just that my hand’s a bit inconvenient."

"Ha-ha, he’s not scared. He’s just a little guilty," Miranda teased.

Luca shot her a glare. At first glance, she was sweet and innocent, like an ice cream you wanted to take a bite out of. But after a few licks, you’d realize the ice cream was hiding razor blades, and your tongue would start bleeding.

"..."

Miranda looked up at the ceiling. "Nice chandelier, huh?"

Luca shook his head and opened the magazine. *World Photography* was a quarterly, and this issue had over a hundred pages.

"Where is it?"

"The cover!" Lima tapped with the bat.

"The cover?"

Luca was even more curious. A tabloid photo on the cover? *World Photography* must’ve gone downhill.

He closed the magazine and examined the cover. Besides the magazine’s name, issue number, and a brief content summary, there was a photo in the center titled *The Sun*.

Ninety percent of the image was in black and white: a black night sky, crisscrossed with white lines. At the golden ratio point, there was a bright, colorful rainbow. Against the black and white, the rainbow looked like flames—passionate, warm, harmonious.

The rainbow floated in the air, embracing a faint shadow. In the backdrop of wind and rain, the scene exuded a powerful vitality, evoking a sense of awe.

It looked like an oil painting, simple in color yet striking in contrast. The photo's caption read, "Kevin Donohue’s Last Photo" and "65th World Photography Competition Gold Medal Winner."

"What does this have to do with me?" Luca asked, looking puzzled.

"Doesn't that rainbow look familiar?" Kate asked with a teasing smile.

"Familiar?" Luca examined the photo closely. The rainbow's colors were a bit blurry in the rain, but it did resemble the rainbow hoodie Kate and Lima had designed.

A sudden flash of memory hit him, and he recalled that stormy night—the dark streets, the running figure in a rainbow hoodie, the passionate kiss, the moments in the bathroom and bedroom...

"Luca, remember now?" Kate tapped her knee, smiling knowingly.

That night, she had known everything, but she hadn’t expected such a vivid moment to be captured by a world-renowned photographer.

Even more amusing, the photo had been incredibly helpful for her and Lima.

"Is that the rainbow hoodie you two designed?" Luca breathed a sigh of relief. If it was about Britney, then it wasn’t a big deal.

Last time he had proposed, he got beaten up, and their relationship had become semi-public. A few more photos wouldn’t make much difference.

"Ha-ha, tough luck, Luca. Did you know Kevin Donohue lives just down the street on 76th?" Miranda grinned. "And only ten of those rainbow hoodies were ever made."

"And how do you know this is the one from home?"

"Because Mr. Donohue is paralyzed from the waist down. Do you think he’s going to wheel himself out in the rain?" Miranda laughed. "Luca, you’re caught. Time to face the music!"

"I... was wrong!"

"You're still taking pictures after being paralyzed, aren't you just trying to make things difficult for me?"

At night, Luca held his back, looking frustrated as he walked back to the bedroom.

He had just been beaten with several rods, which were supposed to break his legs.

But considering that he had work and no time to recover, Lima said they would wait until he had time to heal before breaking his legs.

"Sigh~"

So he couldn’t rest for even a moment!

Luca shook his head and walked into the study.

He turned on the desk lamp, picked up a book, and a few pages of manuscript fell out. Suddenly, he remembered something.

A while ago, after he finished copying the Twilight series, he started working on a new project.

There were two books in total, one of which was Fifty Shades of Grey.

Now, with so many things on his mind, some of his memories had become blurry, and it was getting harder to recall a novel.

Although it was difficult, giving up wasn’t his style.

So, he had to think and write at the same time.

Sometimes, while eating, he’d get inspired and remember a part, then he’d put down his bowl and go back to the study to write.

Other times, in bed doing that kind of thing, he’d get inspired and remember a chapter, so he’d start writing right in bed.

Earlier, at Julie’s house, he had been stimulated again and remembered two full chapters.

After getting beaten twice just now, he remembered another two chapters.

So he had to seize the moment and get the writing done—forgetting it would be a huge loss.

This novel was a fanfiction inspired by Twilight. Although the writing wasn’t great, and the artistic value wasn’t high, it became a global phenomenon.

After its release, one set sold every two seconds.

In five years, global sales exceeded 100 million copies, surpassing the entire Harry Potter series.

It had a significant influence worldwide.

The movie adaptation was also very successful. The first film grossed $571 million at the box office with a budget of only $40 million.

It's said that before filming began, the producers invited Julie to direct, but she declined.

Had she directed, the box office might have been even higher.

Thinking of Julie, Luca suddenly felt a surge of creativity.

["Isabella, are you teasing me?"

He tilted his head, looking intrigued.

I felt a little shy and glanced down at my breakfast. When he spoke in that tone, I never dared to meet his eyes.

"I want to bite your lip," he said softly.

Oh... I hadn’t even realized I was biting my lip. My mouth opened wide, and I took a deep breath.

It was the sexiest thing I had ever heard from a man. My heart was racing, and my body began to tremble slightly.

I squirmed in my chair and met his deep gaze.

"Well, why haven’t you kissed me yet?" I asked teasingly.

"My dear Isabella, I won’t touch you unless you sign what needs to be signed."

He gave a slight smile.]

"You’re injured. Can’t you write this tomorrow?" Lima asked as she walked into the study, her hair draped over her shoulders, and wearing her pajamas after a bath.

"Darling, I’m full of inspiration right now. If I wait until tomorrow, I’ll forget. You go ahead to bed, I’ll finish quickly," Luca smiled gently and kissed her on the corner of her lips.

"Inspired, huh?"

Lima looked at him curiously. "I heard from Kate that you become especially clever after getting beaten. Could that be true?"

Luca’s face changed slightly. "Nonsense! Don’t laugh, chubby girl. When I finish writing, I’ll give you a good lesson."

"You had the nerve to use so much force just now. Do I have any face left in front of others?"

"A proud Brazilian man, getting beaten by his girlfriend—so embarrassing."

"Haha, who’s 'others'? Kate and Miranda don’t count as outsiders. Besides, can you even punish me now?" Lima laughed as she playfully poked his butt.

"Hiss~"

Luca winced slightly. "Chubby girl, are you asking for a beating?"

"No, it’s you who deserves a beating. Your punishment isn’t over yet. Soon, I’ll make you regret it!"

Lima dodged his hand, laughing as she left the study.

"You just wait! Don’t think you can bully me just because my hand’s hurt."

"Fine, I’ll be waiting!" Lima blew him a kiss, leaving a trail of soft laughter behind as she exited the room. The room was left filled with her enchanting scent.

Click-clack-click-clack...

Luca’s fingers flew across the keyboard. Despite his inspiration, with a beauty waiting in bed, he was getting eager to leave the computer.

(End of Chapter)