C5 The Beautiful Landlady

Zoe's heart fluttered with sweetness when she caught Blaine's gaze. It's a universal truth that women love to dress up, adorning themselves to catch the eyes of men.

And when the man they fancy takes notice, the joy is undeniable. Zoe felt this joy internally, but she masked it with a feigned scowl and tossed her car keys to him after fishing them out of her purse.

Blaine caught the keys to the BMW 730 and walked with Zoe to the parking lot.

They drove in silence, yet Zoe's gaze lingered on Blaine's attractive features, clearly pleased with his conduct that day.

Upon arriving at an upscale community, Blaine turned to look at Zoe, whose face glowed with a healthy blush. Her captivating eyes locked with his, unflinching.

Zoe was shrouded in mystery, her rise to success the subject of much speculation.

Rumors swirled that she had a past in the flesh trade or was a wealthy man's mistress.

Even Blaine found it remarkable that Zoe had managed to secure her place in Wexham without any apparent support.

A wave of unexplained melancholy washed over him as he noticed the weariness etched on Zoe's face.

"Zoe, we've arrived," Blaine murmured.

Zoe's gaze met his, her brows knitting together in a frown, her eyes brimming with reluctance. Yet she urged, "Blaine, you should get out of here. They're not going to let you off easily."

"Don't worry, I've got this under control," Blaine assured her, his voice steady.

Zoe's eyes held a complex mix of emotions as she watched Blaine. He reached for the door, ready to exit, but Zoe suddenly grasped him, pressing her lips to his in an unexpected kiss.

Her tongue deftly found its way into his mouth, entwining with his in a fleeting dance.

Stunned, Blaine stared at Zoe. They were close, and she often indulged his minor quirks.

Yet this level of intimacy was new territory for them.

Blaine caressed Zoe's back tenderly before easing her away.

"I know there's someone else in your heart. I won't hold you to anything. Just come and pick me up in the morning," she whispered, her voice tinged with a hint of loss. With that, she opened the door and slipped out into the night.

Blaine's eyes closed as he admired Zoe's flawless form.

The haunting silhouette of Olivia surfaced in his mind, moistening his eyes with unbidden tears.

"Olivia, keep watch from heaven. I'll hunt down those scoundrels and avenge you with their heads," Blaine vowed under his breath, hands clenched tightly around the steering wheel.

As Zoe disappeared into the building, Blaine fired up the sedan and drove away from the upscale neighborhood.

Work at the beauty salon was erratic; high-paying members sometimes stayed until one or two in the morning. Blaine had a room there for such late nights, but he preferred to return to his own place when he finished early.

Half an hour later, Blaine pulled into the West Garden Residential Area where he rented an apartment.

He parked the BMW and made his way to his unit.

Key in hand, he unlocked the door and headed straight for his room.

Passing the bathroom, however, a glance through the crack in the door stopped him cold—a slender, pale leg marred by blood. Without a moment's hesitation, Blaine burst into the room.

Inside, he found his stunning landlady, Mrs. Zeller, collapsed on the floor, her seductive face twisted in agony.

A white towel scantily covered her form, leaving most of her skin bare to Blaine's gaze.

Yet the sight of Mrs. Zeller's bloodied thigh quashed any thought of admiration. Blaine swiftly lifted her and rushed to the living room.

He gently laid Mrs. Zeller on the couch and grabbed the first aid kit.

"Blaine, I've sprained my right foot, and my thigh's been cut by the tile's edge. It's quite painful," Mrs. Zeller whispered.

Blaine's gaze fell upon her thigh, and he had to fight to keep his composure.

Beneath the towel, Mrs. Zeller was utterly bare.