Chapter 162: Chapter 162

Chapter 162 Do Not Torture Me The banquet was organized quite impressively.

The exquisite cuisine surpassed all expectations, and the grand venue had the capacity to accommodate up to two hundred guests. Emelia had even managed to secure the attendance of a renowned host from Barnwood. The overall atmosphere was nothing short of spectacular, leaving everyone in high spirits.

As one of the partners, Crystal had the responsibility of socializing and engaging with the guests, which often involved sharing drinks and exchanging pleasantries.

However, she wasn’t alone in navigating these interactions as Madison drank quite a number of drinks on her behalf.

At that moment, both of them were touching up their makeup inside the restroom.

Crystal cast a worried glance at her friend. “You drank quite a lot earlier. Are you okay, Madison?”

“It’s not a big deal. What’s the worst that could happen?” Madison arched her eyebrow and playfully tugged at her collar, revealing a hint of her chest. “Pretty seductive, isn’t it? Charles is quite fond of this. Whenever we’re in bed, he likes to act like a playful dog and nibble on any part of my body he desires.”

As she spoke, she giggled.

However, Crystal knew her friend wasn’t doing well.

Madison hadn’t truly moved on from her failed marriage with Zachary. Those sexual encounters were merely a temporary escape, a way for her to distract herself from the pain and emptiness she felt inside. But when she woke up from her drunken slumber, the hollow feeling in her heart would return, haunting her once again.

Crystal patted the woman’s shoulder. “You’ve drunk too much, Madison.”

With a smile, Madison pushed her hair behind her car and subtly changed the subject, asking Crystal about her own private matters.

While John was in the hospital, Madison paid him a visit and coincidentally ran into Henry. It was during this encounter that she learned that Crystal and Henry had not completely parted ways.

When she asked Crystal about it, the latter answered truthfully, “We haven’t reconciled yet, so there’s that. We’re still just friends with benefits.”

Madison paused for a moment before informing her, “Audrey’s getting married! The wedding is happening in a couple of days.

The Miller Family went to the Kingdom of Brundela to attend the wedding, but Henry chose not to go. It seems like he wants to maintain some distance.”

Crystal was slightly stunned. I didn’t know that.

As Madison had consumed quite a lot of alcohol, she rested her head gently on her friend’s shoulder and let out a weak cry. “I feel like both of our hands are tied. Crystal. We fell in love with men that we shouldn’t have!”

She felt disappointed in Zachary, and her relationship with Charles was nothing more than a friends- with-benefits arrangement.

However, as time went on, she couldn’t help but develop genuine feelings for Charles.

It wasn’t something she wanted, but it happened anyway.

With teary eyes, Madison said, “Don’t end up like me, Crystal. Marry a good man!”

Crystal knew her friend had drank too much.

To prevent Madison from causing a scene, Crystal gave Charles a call. Initially, Charles assumed the caller was Madison, so he said, “When are you going back? My luck with the cards is souring. I’ve lost a lot of money.

Crystal answered, “It’s me. Madison’s tipsy, so can you come and pick her up?”

Without delay, he tossed his cards onto the table and exclaimed, “Where? I’ll be right there.”

Charles arrived soon after, wearing casual yet neat clothing. As he walked in, a faint scent of a woman’s perfume lingered around him.

Crystal didn’t like that.

Upon seeing Crystal, Charles greeted her enthusiastically before grabbing Madison, “Mrs. Jenkins!”

“There’s nothing between me and Ritchie anymore. Don’t call me that in the future.”

Her response earned her a playful grin from Charles.

He didn’t mention the commotion Ritchie had caused the previous day, but he could still crack a joke or two with her. “Whether you’re with Henry or Ritchie, you’ll always be a close friend of mine,” he joked.

“You don’t have to worry about me,” Crystal assured him. Then, her tone softened as she turned to Madison. “Take care of Madison, okay?”

Charles was slightly stunned.

He couldn’t help but be surprised by the depth of care Crystal showed for Madison, considering his previous perception of Crystal as a cold woman.

A sigh slipped from his mouth before he brought Madison away.

After sending Madison away, Crystal returned to the restroom to wash her hands.

Zachary is the scion of the affluent Cramer family, which explains his rich-kid personality. Charles has similar characteristics to Zachary in that regard, but I still hope he’ll take good care of Madison. I worry for her.

She gazed out of the window, watching the night view of Barnwood for a long time.

While the streets were lively because of Christmas, perhaps many people had no homes to return to.

It was then Henry called.

His voice sounded unbelievably tender during the winter night. “Do you want me to come up?”

Crystal wanted to maintain a clear boundary between her personal and professional life. Hence, she said, “Just a moment. Wait for me in the car.”

A faint smile appeared on Henry’s face.

The woman’s countenance was slightly flushed, which she assumed was likely due to the red wine she drank.

By the time she arrived downstairs, it was nearly ten at night.

Henry’s golden Bentley Continental was parked outside the hotel. He stood below a streetlight and to Crystal’s surprise, he was not engaged in his usual act of smoking.

His handsome mug attracted the attention of many women.

When Crystal arrived before him, he hugged her and muttered, “I’ve missed you for the whole night.”

No women disliked hearing those sorts of things, including Crystal.

Raising her head, she stared at him with wet eyes.

Henry opened the door for her and helped her in.

The car was sufficiently warm, so Crystal removed her coat after entering the vehicle. Then, she turned her head around, placed her coat in the backseat, and noticed Henry’s intense gaze fixed upon her. “What’s the matter, Henry?”

Henry touched her body and spoke hoarsely. “You look alluring without your coat.”

Crystal blushed at his words.

“Jamie told me Mr. Winters has left the hospital.”

She nodded, wanting to thank him, but he pressed his slender finger on her lips.

-Tonight, we’ll focus on our date.” A grin settled on his countenance.

Leaning into her seat, Crystal stared at the man’s handsome face, Henry has been holding back for a long while. I wonder how he’ll torture me tonight. Just the thought of it turned my legs into jelly!

Henry didn’t drive the car at high speed.

Since the previous night, snowflakes had been gently falling, adding a touch of enchantment to the city of Barnwood. The streets were adorned with a delicate dusting of snow, creating a picturesque scene as they made their way through the city.

The couple remained silent on their way home, likely because they were both thinking about their upcoming intimate moment.

It might also be because they hadn’t had sex for a long while, so they felt a little awkward.

Crystal didn’t expect that Marie was still in Henry’s condominium when they returned.

Marie already knew about Crystal’s arrival, so she greeted giddily, “Greetings, Miss Winters.”

While Crystal felt embarrassed, Henry casually handed Marie a thick monetary gift from his pocket. “From Miss Winters.”

When Marie realized there were ten thousand enclosed within the envelope, her face lit up with a wide smile as she offered congratulatory words.

Instead of exposing the truth, Crystal spoke with Marie politely before the latter left.

The couple then headed to Opulent Pearl, where an extravagant dinner was already served at their table.

While Crystal laid her coat down, Henry poured two glasses of red wine for them.

He grinned. “Don’t accidentally spill the wine on my pants this time. Otherwise, you’ll have to, you know Crystal gestured for him to refrain from completing his sentence.

In response, Henry peered at her and nodded. “Fine. Let’s eat!”

He was serious about pursuing her, so he respected their dinnertime and just ate.

It pleased Crystal to be taken seriously. While she kept wanting to ask him about Audrey’s marriage, Henry didn’t bring it up, so she didn’t bring the matter up.

Sometime after dinner, she saw a newspaper in a trash can with Audrey’s wedding photo on the front page.

She was stunned when she saw that. Audrey really is married...

Suddenly, Henry hugged her from behind and whispered in her ear. “What are you looking at?”

Then, he, too, saw the picture in the newspaper. “My parents went to the Kingdom of Brundela with Melora, he explained.

Of course, Crystal didn’t ask him why he didn’t go. I’m not that stupid. Besides, tonight is supposed to be a happy occasion.

That minor incident didn’t affect Henry’s enthusiasm. Before Crystal could react, he turned off most of the lights in the living room, leaving only the small red one on.

An amorous atmosphere filled the room under the dim lighting.

Crystal wrapped her arms around the man’s neck, thinking he wanted sex.

However, he didn’t and merely embraced her. “I’ll play the piano for you.”

She didn’t know he was capable of that, but of course, she wasn’t going to say no.

Although, she didn’t expect he would put her on his lap.

Slightly tilting her head toward him, Crystal uttered anxiously, “Henry...“

The man simply held her chin and planted a kiss on her lips. Their smooching lasted for a long while, causing the surrounding temperature to rise.

The kiss sapped Crystal of her strength before she lay in his embrace, her cheeks flushing. Thank goodness for the dim lighting.

Otherwise, he would’ve laughed at me.

It was then he started playing her favorite song, Moonlight Lovers.

As the snow continued to gracefully fall from the sky, Crystal and Henry found themselves nestled inside the cozy confines of his condominium.

Crystal nestled her head against his neck, feeling the comforting warmth of his embrace. At that moment, all her reservations and defenses seemed to melt away.

Despite her attempts to guard her heart, she couldn’t deny the growing affection she held for him. The realization that she had always harbored feelings for him only deepened the intensity of their connection.

The influence of liquor also heightened her emotions.

The same could be said for Henry, though he didn’t act like a youngster. Instead, he insisted on providing her with a wonderful night.

While sitting on his lap, Crystal was very aware of his physical reaction.

She had her needs as a woman, too. After two hours of remaining still on his legs, she was desperate for some intimacy. I want him to kiss me!

“Henry!” exclaimed Crystal lustfully.

Even though he could tell what was going on with her, he feigned ignorance and asked, “What’s the matter. Crystal?”

Crystal’s desires and emotions overwhelmed her as she gave in to the intensity of the moment. Unable to resist any longer, she turned toward him and passionately kissed him.

As the snowflakes danced outside the window, the couple’s passionate kiss was reflected in the floor-to- ceiling window, creating a beautiful and ethereal image.

Abruptly, Henry lifted her onto the piano, causing the instrument to shake.

“Henry... Henry, don’t torment me like this!” The combination of Crystal’s pleading voice, tears, and the melodious piano filled the room with a mix of vulnerability and desire. Her face flushed with both embarrassment and longing, but at that moment, her focus was solely on Henry. She yearned for him to push boundaries, fulfill her wildest desires, and surrender herself completely to the intensity of their connection.

Henry was even more like a beast that night, Henry’s demeanor became more primal, his actions and words dripping with raw desire. Leaning in closer, he passionately kissed her, his voice husky as he whispered, “Savor it, Crystal. It’s a whole new level of pleasure.”

In response, Crystal opened her eyes and peered at him.

Tears filled her eyes, making her appear pitiful.

Henry was about to engage in something he had never done for a woman before, but his desire for Cystal’s happiness outweighed any reservations.

Her eyes were blindfolded by him.

While her vision remained dark, he worked his magic on her.

She trembled slightly with fear, repeatedly calling out his name in a mix of anticipation and apprehension.

“Henry...”