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But did such a woman exist? In this world polluted by interests and schemes?

Just then, my phone on the desk lit up silently, the blue glow unnaturally bright in the dim study. That light was like phosphorus fire in the night, instantly catching my attention.

I walked over and picked up the phone. The screen showed a message from an unknown number.

Anonymous: Late-night insomnia, my body's burning hot for you. Craving your fingers exploring every inch of my skin, wanting you to take me right now and completely dominate me.

And there was a photo—in the dim, suggestive lighting, an exquisite collarbone displayed like a work of art, skin glowing with an enticing pearl-like luster in the light. Her neckline hung loose and open, revealing an expanse of snow-white skin while cleverly concealing the most crucial parts. Those curves were barely visible in the shadows, every inch of skin radiating primitive, naked seduction, like a rosebud waiting to bloom, tempting exploration of the unknown territory beneath that thin fabric.

The desire that had been forcibly suppressed by the cold shower and wine suddenly exploded violently in my bloodstream without warning. This time, it wasn't a forced physical reaction, but pure, primitive attraction instantly sweeping through my entire body. This photo contained none of Ginnie's artificial coquettishness, no calculated manipulation—just the most primitive, honest seduction.

Under the robe, my recently cooled skin felt like it was instantly set ablaze. Ginnie's clumsy tricks had left only theashes of humiliation and anger, but this message, this photo, was like a bucket of hot oil poured precisely on those ashes, instantly igniting a towering inferno—a near-ravenous interest consumed me.

This text came so directly, so inappropriately timed, yet so perfectly timed.

Dangerous sparks danced in my eyes, but my fingertips carried an almost cruel sense of control as I coldly typed out characters.

Me: Sending such tempting invitations to strangers in the middle of the night, little rose—you sure you're ready to face the consequences? Good girls should know that playing with fire usually burns hotter than they imagine.

Send.

I casually set the phone on the cold desktop, the blue glow already dimmed, the screen returning to silence. But I knew this was just the calm before the storm.

I knew she'd respond. They always respond.

Time passed—I don't know how long—before the message showed as read.

A reply was coming.

Chapter 3

Cassie

The late-night cold cut through me like tiny ice needles, piercing my exposed neck and arms, instantly shattering the warm buzz I'd carried out of the bar. I pulled my thin, worn jacket tighter and practically sprinted to the entrance of my run-down apartment building.

The whole way home, everything that had happened at the bar flashed through my mind like movie clips—my coworkers cheering, Susan's excited face, that crazy game of truth or dare, and that mysterious contact I'd randomly selected with my eyes closed.

That "G," and that suggestive text and photo I'd sent.

Jesus Christ, I actually did that!

The key scraped harshly in the lock, and I pushed open the creaky door to be hit with that familiar smell—cheap air freshener mixed with musty old furniture. Exhaustion settled over me like a wet, heavy blanket, wrapping me from head to toe.

I kicked off those damn heels that had been murdering my feet all night, my bare soles hitting the cold floor as I collapsedinto that squeaky single armchair in the living room. But I couldn't relax. That text I'd sent was like a splinter, digging deep into my thoughts.

Now that the alcohol was wearing off, I was starting to feel seriously uneasy about my impulsive behavior. Was I completely insane, sending that kind of message and photo to someone I didn't even know?

After sitting in silence for what felt like forever, I turned to glare at my phone lying on the coffee table like some kind of ticking time bomb. Finally, hesitantly, I reached for it. My fingertips touched the cold screen and dragged it over. The screen lit up. Unlocked.

I froze.

New message.

From G.

My heart instantly started racing as I shakily opened the chat.

G: Sending such tempting invitations to strangers in the middle of the night, little rose—you sure you're ready to face the consequences? Good girls should know that playing with fire usually burns hotter than they imagine.