When Perry walked into the house and saw Avery and his men sitting, his voice thundered with anger. "And what do you think you are doing here?"
Avery shrank in fear, stammering, "Don't worry, Mr. Jerome… my sister has never stayed alone outside, so she will surely come…"
"Fool!" Perry spat the word at her, his eyes blazing, before storming into the room. He began searching frantically, his thoughts racing. If Lilian were still the naive, innocent girl Avery deceived and willingly led to my villa, I might believe she couldn't survive outside alone. But I've already made her a woman. She won't be so fearful now.
He turned to Avery coldly. "Lead me to her room. Now!"
Avery scurried ahead, opening the door to Lilian's room. "You see? No one has been to this room for so—"
Before she could finish, Perry yanked the curtains open. The unlocked window glared back at him like proof of betrayal. His piercing eyes landed on Avery. "Is this what you call so long?"
Avery froze, stupefied. She rushed to the wardrobe, pulling it open and rummaging through the coverings. Only then did she realize Lilian had fooled her with a clever disguise. Trembling, her eyes met Perry's. Tears welled as she tried to reason with him. "B‑but Mr. Jerome, my sister's escape has nothing to do with me…"
Perry ignored her, his strength drained. He walked out, leaving behind only four words: "Take her away."
---
Outside, Perry dialed a number. His frustrated voice jolted Morgan Jerome awake. Morgan had just finished a round of indulgence with one of his mistresses abroad. Wrapping a towel around his waist, he stepped onto the balcony, concern etched on his face. "What happened, son? Why is your voice so low? Who dares make you so unhappy?"
Perry, slamming the door of his Rolls‑Royce Sweptail, leaned back against the seat, ruffling his hair in frustration. "Dad… I need your help."
Morgan's mood lifted. His independent son rarely asked for assistance. "Come on, son. Don't dawdle. Tell Dad what you want, and you'll have it right away."
If Perry had been calmer, he might have rolled his eyes. Instead, he said, "I want you to call every possible means of transport and stop someone named Lilian Asienwegher from leaving the country."
---
Morgan was stunned. Then he burst out laughing. "Son, have you fallen in love? Who is this remarkable girl who makes the one and only Perry Jerome feel so down‑to‑earth?"
Perry grew impatient, embarrassed. "Oh, Dad, please… just do it. Don't ask questions."
Morgan chuckled, teasing. "Forget it. I thought you'd truly fallen for this Lilian. I would have turned the world upside down to bring her back. But if it's just for fun, there are plenty of beauties—"
"Dad, don't you get it? I can't!" Perry's voice cracked with desperation. "For the past six months with her, I haven't even looked at other women. She's the only one I want. Even now, I crave her. I want to hold her tight, sleep with her in my arms… bury myself deep inside her."
Morgan chuckled again, but the pain in his eyes betrayed his sympathy. He sighed deeply. "Son, you may not realize it, but you're in love with this girl."
---
Perry froze, shocked. His mind replayed his time with Lilian. People often said Perry never laughed, but since Lilian entered his life, his protocols had changed. Joy filled him in ways he couldn't explain. He wanted to deny it, but the truth was undeniable.
He took a deep breath, neither agreeing nor denying. Morgan understood. "Son, dealing with women is the most difficult task a man will ever face. You must be mindful in handling them."
Perry groaned. "Dad, I've pampered her. I've never treated anyone as kindly as I treated her."
Morgan chuckled softly. "Listen, son. Love is beyond pampering and kindness. Have you ever told her you love her?"
Perry was taken aback. After a pause, he admitted, "I didn't. But I told her we'd get our marriage certificate today. I wanted a child with her, and I don't want my child to be illegitimate."
---
Morgan's heart sank. He felt guilty for his son. His legal wife had borne him six daughters, and his mistresses had given him more girls. Only Laura had given him Perry, but she died giving birth. Perry, proud and wounded, refused to let Morgan publicize their relationship, ashamed of being illegitimate. He lived hidden, indulging in dubious acts, which Morgan never condemned—only supported.
Morgan sighed. "Alright, son. Dad will come over in a jiffy. But remember, any woman with dignity longs to hear those words: I love you. Before she agrees to a serious relationship, before she bears your child, she needs to hear it."
Silence lingered between them. Finally, Morgan said, "We'll talk more when I return. Take care of yourself. Dad loves you, son."
Perry nodded. "You too, Dad. Love you." He ended the call, burying his face in his palms. His voice broke into a whisper. "Lilian… please, please come back. I miss you. If you want to hear I love you from me, I'll say it ten times… no, a hundred times… even a thousand times every day."
---
A shadow flickered at the corner of his eye. Perry realized his men were still there. He frowned. "Why are you still here?"
They snapped back to attention. They had long known Perry treated Lilian differently, but never imagined it was to this extent. Their perspective shifted. Lilian was no longer just a woman—she was their boss lady.
Fred took a deep breath. "Mr. Jerome, we found out that Lili—"
"Don't you dare address my woman like that!" Perry barked, his fury cutting through the air.
All of them shivered. Fred quickly corrected himself. "Miss Asienwegher has not registered with any travel agency. This means… she is still in the country."