CHAPTER 182: CHAPTER 182- POSITION

The banquet finally came to an end. Janice, holding the now-sleeping Trista, climbed into the car, feeling a weary ache in her heart. It had been a struggle just to wrest Trista away from Callum, and the root of all these conflicts lay with the man beside her — Charles, who hadn’t once stepped in to help.

"Wife, are you trying to seduce me while I’m driving?" Charles chuckled, unfazed by the electric glare Janice threw at him. He glanced at her with amused eyes as she clung tightly to Trista, her childish possessiveness almost like a child fighting over a toy.

"I’m serious — Trista’s sleeping with me tonight," Janice said firmly, clutching her daughter like a lifeline. After a year apart, every day had been filled with longing. Now that her precious girl was finally back, she couldn’t bear the thought of losing her to someone else again. The thought alone frustrated her beyond words.

"I’m serious too — absolutely impossible," Charles said with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Perhaps it was the alcohol talking, for his grip on the steering wheel wavered slightly, causing Janice to flinch nervously. Though she trusted his driving skills, with their daughter in her arms, she didn’t want him to get reckless. So, she wisely kept her mouth shut.

Back at the villa, Janice bathed Trista in the nursery. Charles’s face was flushed — he and Shaun had drunk quite a bit, maybe for the first time in ages they’d had such a carefree night. As Janice returned to their room, cradling Trista, Charles stepped out of the bathroom, fresh from his own shower.

Droplets of water dripped from his damp hair, tracing the contours of his sculpted chest. Janice blushed deeply — this wasn’t the first time she’d seen him naked, but his presence still made her cheeks burn.

Trista, spotting Charles, happily wriggled free from Janice’s arms and toddled toward him.

"Why’d you bring her here?" Charles caught Trista effortlessly but frowned at Janice.

"She’s sleeping — I don’t want her alone," Janice answered softly, looking away. Though Fiona and the nanny had taken good care of Trista these past days, Janice still wanted to be the one to watch over her.

Charles ignored her plea, lifting Trista in his arms and heading out of the room.

"Hey, Charles! What are you doing?" Janice chased after him, but when she reached the nursery door, Charles had already spun back toward her — cradling Trista horizontally in his arms — and was carrying her back to their bedroom.

"Didn’t I say you’d keep me company tonight?" Charles didn’t wait for an answer. The moment they entered, he set Trista down gently, then pinned Janice between his arms and the door, capturing her lips in a swift, urgent kiss.

Janice’s breath hitched, her pale face flushed a deep crimson. She hadn’t agreed to this, yet she was helpless under his fierce kiss.

Seconds later, Charles’s nimble fingers slipped beneath her nightgown, sliding it down her long, graceful legs until it pooled at her feet. One hand roamed beneath her, and Janice gasped, pushing weakly against his chest. Her body melted under his touch, caught between resistance and surrender.

"Charles... not here..." she whispered, voice trembling.

With the door behind them, their bare skin pressed intimately close, Janice’s usual reserve crumbled in the face of his relentless desire. She wasn’t used to such boldness, but his strength left her no choice but to yield.

"This position helps with conception," Charles murmured, his lips trailing down Janice’s neck. When she tried to pull back, he caught her slender waist firmly. His burning heat pressed deeply into her.

The coolness of the doorframe behind her contrasted sharply with the fiery passion igniting within, creating a breathtaking clash of ice and fire. Janice’s mind went blank, overwhelmed by the intense sensations.

His passion seemed endless. As her weakened body slid down, he held her securely, lifting her onto the bed. Janice’s cheeks, already flushed from earlier, deepened in color as she recalled his teasing words.

Afterwards, sweat glistened on their skin. Charles effortlessly carried Janice to the bathroom, where a large bathtub filled with scented oils awaited them. The dim, golden light softened the room, thick with mist — a perfect backdrop for beauty and desire.

Charles’s burning gaze fixed on her flawless form, and the slow rekindling of passion sparked again. Yet, mindful of her body, he cradled her gently, caressing her tenderly with both hands.

"Charles... your father came today..." Janice sighed, splashing water lightly, one hand resting on his strong chest. Unbeknownst to her, the simple touch was an irresistible temptation to him.

"I saw," Charles breathed heavily behind her, his strokes growing bolder, more demanding.

"So you did see him..." Janice brushed away his wandering hands, her thoughts turning inward. Derrick had entrusted all his assets to Charles and August. Though the past held too many painful memories, his two sons were the only things he truly couldn’t let go.

"Baby, focus on me," Charles whispered, his hands igniting a fire deep inside her. Before Janice could catch her breath, he pulled her waist close, entering her again, mixing the warm water with their fervent heat, filling the room with unspoken desire.

"Charles, starting tomorrow, I want to stay home and take care of Trista, okay?" Janice’s soft voice drifted into his ear, seductive and tender. Lost in the haze of passion, Charles nodded in agreement, unable to resist.

Later, when she mentioned it again, Charles wore a mock regretful look — but seeing her pleading face, he knew better than to take back his promise.

From that day forward, a new resolve settled in Charles’s heart. He couldn’t bear to see her struggle anymore. At the office, she was free from work. During the day, she would care for Trista; at night, she was wholly his.

Derrick stayed in the country for a week. Janice took Trista to visit him once, while Charles and August remained distant. Janice understood that letting go and accepting were different; it would take time.

Philip’s career still tied him to France. They booked their return flight, and when Janice told Charles the details, he remained calm. Worried, Janice urged him to visit Derrick one last time — even a silent gesture would ease his father’s heart.

Charles only teased her, playfully nudging her nose to tell her not to meddle. But when the day came and she saw Charles and August at the airport, a small, content smile touched her lips.