"Pavilion Manor," a low-key yet extremely private estate on the outskirts of New York City, had also been the most mysterious private club in the city for the past two years.

In the freezing cold, Emily wrapped herself in an oat-colored cashmere coat, standing in the wind for quite a while. Even so, she could not stop the chill creeping through her body.

The man leading the way walked with steady steps, guiding Emily all the way to the last room on the third floor of the small building. Stopping at the door, he gestured politely. "Miss Emily is inside."

Emily hadn't expected to see Jackie so easily. Just as she was about to push the door open, the man suddenly called out to her again.

"Miss Emily, I can take care of your coat for you."

His tone was calm, as if he was used to doing this.

Emily didn't hesitate. With a casual flick of her chestnut-colored wavy hair, she took off her coat, revealing the black backless bodycon dress underneath, and stepped inside.

The exterior of the small building was unremarkable, and the interior wasn't particularly luxurious either. However, the space was quite large, divided by lighting into two contrasting halves-one bright, one dim.

Emily had expected a lively scene inside, but to her surprise, there was only Jackie, sitting alone under the bright lights, slouched lazily in a black leather sofa chair, idly playing with his phone.

No wonder she had been let in so easily. Judging by the situation, Mr. Williams must be quite bored.

Hearing the door open, Jackie lifted his head.

He had an exceptionally handsome face-sharp features, fair skin, and dark, luminous eyes that carried a faint trace of boyishness. At first glance, he appeared normal.

But what kind of "normal" man would say something as outrageous as "Virgins only"?

Not only did he say it, but he had also made it his life motto, shamelessly and publicly declaring it to the world.

When it came to absurdity, no one in New York City could outmatch him.

Jackie's gaze swept over Emily, and after a moment, a playful smile appeared on his lips. "How come I never knew there was such a beauty in New York City?"

Emily lowered her gaze slightly and smiled. "I appreciate Mr. Williams granting me this meeting."

"What, are all the men in New York City blind?" Jackie gestured for her to sit while pouring her a glass of red wine. "A beauty like you, so stunning and full of life, and yet still... untouched?"

Emily knew he had mistaken her for a woman throwing herself at him, but she still reached out and accepted the wine he offered.

"Sorry, Mr. Williams, I believe you may have misunderstood my purpose here today. I came to apologize to you on behalf of my sister."

Jackie raised an eyebrow. "Your sister?"

"Amy."

Jackie didn't respond immediately; instead, he poured himself another drink.

On the round table in front of him, there were two whiskey glasses-one was Jackie's, while the other had tiny beads of condensation forming on the glass.

It seemed the window had been left slightly open, allowing a faint, crisp, and clean scent to drift through the air-like cedar trees on a distant mountain, cool and serene.

It wasn't Jackie's scent.

Emily couldn't help but glance toward the dimly lit area.

Could there be someone else there?

Jackie took a slow sip of his drink. When he looked up again, his expression had turned indifferent. Ignoring the reason for her visit, he simply said, "So, you're saying you're not untouched?"

As he spoke, his gaze fell on Emily's fingers.

Emily had taken off her wedding ring some time ago, but the mark left by wearing it for so long had yet to fade completely.

"Of course," Jackie sneered, staring at the faint ring mark. "Unless you tell me there's actually a man out there who's blind enough to resist a woman as stunning as you."

His smirk was wicked, his tone even more cutting.

"You came to see me-does your husband know about this?"

Emily acted as though she hadn't heard him. From her handbag, she took out a check and placed it in front of him.

"My sister is young and naive. We appreciate your kindness in lending her money, but we don't wish for Mr. Williams to go out of his way for us. Please accept this repayment."

Jackie raised an eyebrow and let out a cold laugh. "Interesting. Your sister made a deal with me yesterday, and today you come to break it. What, do I look like someone who's easy to play with?"

"In life, many things are simply for entertainment. Mr. Williams has met countless people-my sister is not irreplaceable. Why insist on someone so young and immature?"

Jackie suddenly widened his eyes. "Are you trying to suggest that I abandon your sister and... take you instead, Mrs.?"

He deliberately emphasized the word Mrs., dripping with mockery.

Emily remained composed. "I know I'm not to Mr. Williams' taste. All I can say is, if you ever need me in the future, I will do everything in my power to help. Would Mr. Williams not consider it?"

Jackie gave her a long, scrutinizing look.

Emily had a strikingly beautiful face. Jackie had always believed that knowing one's own beauty was a virtue in women. Yet, for some reason, her beauty seemed veiled-like a thin layer of mist obscured it, making it feel unreal.

Elusive, yet enticing.

Suddenly, a faint "hiss" sound came from the shadows. A flicker of light flashed-it seemed someone had struck a match.

Emily turned her head toward the dimly lit area once again.

The fire was faint, seemingly cupped by a pair of hands.

She thought the person had lit the match to smoke, but no smell of tobacco followed.

As the match burned, Jackie suddenly chuckled.

"You said if I ever need you, you'd do your best to help, right?" Jackie tilted his chin toward the shadows. "Well, I have a guest here tonight, and he's in a bad mood. Cheer him up, and we'll talk."

Emily met his gaze for a moment, then picked up something from the table before rising to her feet and walking toward the darkness.

Moving from light into shadow, her vision took a moment to adjust. She could barely make out the silhouette of a man standing by the window, his posture as still as a towering pine tree.

He was looking outside, not sparing Emily even a glance.

At the same time, the cold, crisp, and serene scent brushed past her once more, carried by the wind from the open window.

Emily hesitated briefly, then took two steps closer.

"Miss Emily, if you do this, what will your husband think?"

Jackie's mocking voice rang out from the bright side of the room.

But Emily didn't pause. She stepped right up to the man.

He was tall-so tall that, even in high heels, she had to tilt her head slightly to look at him.

She raised her hand, bringing the object to his lips.

In the darkness, the man parted his lips slightly, taking what she offered.

Hiss-

The sound of a match striking echoed once more.

Emily cupped the tiny flame in her hands, gently bringing it toward him.

For a fleeting moment, in the wavering light, she glimpsed the depths of his eyes-dark as midnight, untamed, and unfathomable.

Smoke curled upward, and the glow of the match began to fade.

In the dim light, the ember at the tip of the cigarette burned brighter, mirroring the tightening of the man's jawline as the flame licked at the darkness.