Rebirth Swapped Bride: Married to a Ruthless Cursed billionaire Book2-Chapter 85: A trapped

Chapter 85: A trapped
The private dining room exuded an air of opulence, its antique decor surrounding a massive table that could easily seat twenty people.
Yet at this moment, only Mr. Marson and Beauty occupied the space.
A waiter presented the menu, and Mr. Marson lifted his gaze, passing it to her with a silent gesture for her to order.
Beauty exhaled slowly.
If someone was treating her to a meal, why hold back?
After all, this was a seven-star hotel—a single meal here could easily cost more than her monthly living expenses and pocket money combined.
Might as well indulge while she had the chance.
She deliberately selected the most expensive dishes.
Though some names were unfamiliar, the eye-popping prices listed beside them brought an undeniable thrill.
The waiter politely took the menu to the kitchen, leaving the vast room empty except for her and Beauty.
Everyone else remained stationed outside.
Pretending not to be nervous was impossible—her palms were already damp.
"Seems Miss Beauty has grown quite accustomed to this aristocratic lifestyle," he remarked.
The words struck her like a sudden blow.
Her cheeks flushed faintly.
The comment was a clear reminder—once, she had been nothing but a discarded orphan, struggling even for basic survival.
"Well, I do have Uncle Lucas looking after me now," she replied, offering a demure smile.
"I’m not that unwanted little girl anymore."
Having spent so much time by Lucas’s side, she had long mastered the art of composure—no longer the hot-tempered, defiant child she once was.
Beauty’s lips curled into a smirk, though his eyes remained cold and unreadable.
The smile lingered on her face for just a second before vanishing without a trace.
It seemed to mock her overestimation of herself.
Though paris was Lucas’s territory, this man was his father—no less formidable in power and influence.
That fleeting smile sent an uneasy chill down Beauty’s spine.
Her fingers interlaced tightly on her lap, knuckles whitening.
She pressed her pink lips together, struggling to maintain composure.
After all, she was still just a young girl.
Even after being meticulously trained by Lucas, facing a true old fox like this left her flustered and out of her depth.
Her calm facade crumbled completely.
"I heard you’re dating Lucas.
Surely you know he was once married?"
"And what of it?"
She lowered her gaze slightly, cheeks tinged with a bashful flush.
"His wife passed away years ago.
That shouldn’t affect our relationship..."
This was the first time she’d discussed such matters with an elder, and her voice carried a faint tremor—neither confident nor convincing.
Mr. Marson’s laughter deepened the wrinkles on his face into crevices, his lips curling into a sneer as his icy scrutiny raked over her.
It felt like a scalpel scraping across her skin, flaying her raw while she desperately clung to pretense.
"Well, well.
I underestimated you, little girl."
His voice dripped with venom.
"From the moment you stepped into the Marson household, you’ve been scheming to seduce my son, haven’t you?"
Now it was Beauty’s turn to laugh—a radiant, mocking peal that made her eyes sparkle with derision.
This was, without doubt, the most absurd joke she’d ever heard.
How old was she when she first entered the Cheng household?
Just sixteen—barely old enough to understand romantic feelings between men and women.
How could anyone accuse her of trying to seduce Lucas?
"Mr. Marson, you’re underestimating your son, don’t you think?
You know him better than I do.
What kind of man is he?
A titan of paris, someone who can turn the world upside down with a flick of his wrist.
He’s seen every kind of woman imaginable.
Back then, I was only sixteen—what could I possibly have used to lure him?"
The waiter brought out the dishes, each one exquisitely crafted like a work of art, almost too beautiful to eat.
Red liquid filled the wine glasses to the brim.
Mr. Marson glanced up and gave a slight wave, prompting the waiter to bow politely and exit, closing the door behind him.
"Girl, I suppose he’s taught you how to drink, hasn’t he?
Dare to share a glass with this old man?"
"Why wouldn’t I dare?
You’re my elder, Mr..Marson.
Who knows—we might even become family someday.
Let me toast to you first."
Beauty held her wine glass with a graceful smile, delicate dimples appearing on her cheeks.
The clink of crystal rang out as their glasses met.
She tilted her head back elegantly and downed the red wine in one swift motion.
The moment the liquor slid down her throat, her delicate brows furrowed involuntarily.
The wine was far stronger than she had anticipated, burning her throat like fire.
"Well?
That’s a vintage I’ve kept for years—rarely brought out for anyone.
Strong enough for you?"
"Definitely strong," she admitted, forcing a composed smile.
"I see you’ve spared no expense for me, Mr. Marson though drinking on an empty stomach isn’t ideal.
Shall we eat first?"
Her stomach churned as if set ablaze.
She hastily picked up her chopsticks and took two bites of food to steady herself, her cheeks flushing crimson.
Mr. Marson smirked, his sharp, imposing eyebrows arching in amusement.
With a mocking smirk, he looked her up and down.
"Seems like your alcohol tolerance hasn’t improved.
Just one glass and you’re already flushed like this.
How are you supposed to stand by his side and drink on his behalf in the future?"
Though Mr. Marson was advanced in years, his meticulous skincare regimen left his face remarkably smooth, with only the faintest crow’s feet appearing when he smiled.
"I’m just a bit hungry and wanted something to eat," Beauty muttered awkwardly.
Despite having lunch earlier with Cassandra, she hadn’t eaten much, and now the strong liquor burned like fire in her stomach.
Under Mr.Marson’s taunting, she reluctantly downed two more glasses with him.
Almost immediately, her head spun, and stars danced before her eyes.
When she tried to excuse herself to the restroom, her legs wobbled as if stepping on marshmallows, nearly sending her sprawling to the floor.
"Clearly, you can’t hold your liquor.
I’ll have the driver take you to the suite to rest."
"No need, Grandpa..
I-I just need to splash some water on my face..."
Shaking off his hand, she gripped the edge of the table to steady herself, but her feet felt leaden, refusing to move.
"Guard, escort Miss Beauty to the suite."
The door swung open as Mr. Marson shot a cold glance at the towering bodyguard and issued the command icily.
Before Beauty could protest, strong arms hauled her into the elevator.
Her bones seemed to have melted, leaving her utterly limp.
"Mr. Marson—" She tried to call out, but the elevator doors slid shut with a sharp *ding*, cutting her off.
The man’s eyes gleamed with desire as his large, scorching hands gripped her waist tightly.
Beauty tried to break free, but her limbs felt weak and numb, as if she had been drugged.
Helpless, she could only watch as the man carried her into the suite, shut the door behind them, and tossed her onto the bed.
"What... what do you think you’re doing?
I belong to Lucas!" she gasped, struggling with all her might, but the man pinned her down effortlessly.
In a flash, he stripped off his own clothes before roughly tearing at hers.