Chapter 296: Punishment

The following morning, dawn slowly broke over the estate, casting a warm golden glow across the sprawling property.

Inside the master bedroom, Luca sat comfortably against the headboard, one hand resting on Arabella's head as he absentmindedly stroked her long white hair. His other hand held his phone to his ear.

"Vincent actually came looking for me in person? Has things really gotten that bad for him?"

His expression was difficult to read. There was a hint of amusement in his voice, accompanied by a trace of disbelief.

According to Captain Rico's latest report, the Sato Family had officially withdrawn from Astral Technology Park the previous day. Diane Prince, the representative of Sapphire-Vanguard Group, had also boarded a flight to Rose City, apparently in quite a hurry to leave Capital City.

In other words, Astral Technology Park had gone from celebrating its grand opening to becoming a complete disaster in less than twenty-four hours.

'That was quick.'

Luca pursed his lips, almost feeling sorry for Vincent.

Almost.

He had to admit, things had unfolded rather dramatically. Vincent had invested considerable effort into establishing the project, only for the entire arrangement to begin collapsing before it had even gotten properly underway. Now, the man was personally seeking an audience with him.

It was quite a change from the confidence he had displayed before.

"Hmm... Ah..."

The subtle movement beside him caught Luca's attention. He glanced down, noticing Arabella's slight shift in position, and gave her ear a playful pinch.

"Mr. Hale, what would you like me to do?" Daniel's voice came through the phone.

"Just arrange a room for him. Let him settle in, and I'll meet him when I have some free time."

"Understood. I'll make the necessary arrangements."

Luca was about to say something else when he suddenly paused.

"Cough... cough!"

He cleared his throat, the sound coming out a little rougher than expected.

Daniel immediately noticed.

"President Hale, are you feeling unwell?"

"No, nothing serious. I spent too much time in the air conditioning last night. My throat's just a little dry."

He deliberately cleared his throat again, making his explanation sound more convincing.

"I see. Then I won't keep you any longer. President Hale, please remember to get enough rest and take care of yourself."

"Will do."

The call ended.

Luca lowered his phone and placed it on the nightstand before releasing a quiet sigh.

'I've been more exhausted than usual lately. Even now, I can still feel it.'

It wasn't particularly surprising. Between his various business affairs, the constant stream of people seeking his attention, and everything else occupying his time, getting a proper moment to relax had become increasingly difficult.

And, apparently, his mornings weren't becoming any less eventful either.

"Are you finished?"

Arabella finally lifted her head, her breathing still a little uneven.

Luca glanced at her and nodded.

She pushed herself upright, sweeping her long white hair back over her shoulders. The loose strands had fallen forward, partially concealing her face, but now her flushed cheeks and delicate features were fully visible.

Her eyes were slightly narrowed, with a faint sheen of moisture lingering in them. She studied him for a moment before a small, almost mischievous smile appeared on her lips.

"Honey..." Her voice was soft and breathy. "Now that you've finished your call, can I have your attention again?"

Luca raised an eyebrow.

A playful smile slowly spread across his face.

"What? You want me to punish you?"

Arabella's cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink. She briefly lowered her gaze, seemingly gathering the courage to answer, before looking back at him.

Then, with a small nod, she lightly tapped her chin.

"Mhm."

Luca chuckled.

It seemed she had been waiting rather patiently for him to finish his business. Though, considering the circumstances, he suspected her patience had been wearing rather thin.

"Well, if that's what you want, baby, turn around..."

Arabella's smile widened immediately.

Without another word, she shifted into position, her long white hair cascading down her back. She glanced at him once more, waiting for his next instruction.

Luca watched her for a moment, amusement evident in his expression.

It seemed his morning wasn't quite over yet.

Arabella's breath caught slightly as she moved onto her knees beside him on the spacious bed. The silk sheets rustled beneath her as she settled into place, her long hair slipping over one shoulder before falling down her back.

Warm morning sunlight filtered through the half-drawn curtains, bathing the bedroom in a soft golden glow. The expensive furnishings, neatly arranged furniture, and carefully chosen decorations gave the room an atmosphere of understated luxury. Beyond the windows, the estate was gradually coming to life, but inside the bedroom, there was little indication that either of them had any intention of getting up just yet.

Arabella adjusted her position, taking a moment to get comfortable before turning her head to look at him over her shoulder.

Her cheeks were still flushed, and a hint of nervous anticipation lingered in her expression. She caught her lower lip between her teeth, giving him an almost innocent look that Luca knew better than to believe.

"Is this alright, honey?" she asked softly.

Luca leaned back against the headboard, taking a moment to appreciate her playful attempt at innocence.

"You're certainly eager this morning."

Arabella let out a quiet giggle, her shoulders rising slightly.

"I've been a bad, bad girl," she murmured, her voice soft and a little husky. "While you were talking... I couldn't help myself. My fingers kept wandering. I kept thinking about last night, about how you held me down, and I got so wet just remembering. I think I deserve to be punished."

Luca's smile deepened.

He leaned back comfortably, studying her with lazy interest, the sheet draped low across his hips. One hand reached out, and his fingertip traced a slow line down her spine, beginning at the nape of her neck and continuing towards the small of her back.

Arabella shivered at the contact.

"Is that so?" he asked, amusement evident in his voice. "You sat there with my cock in your mouth while I took a business call, and now you're confessing that you were touching yourself the whole time?"

Arabella nodded.

The movement sent several strands of her white hair sliding forward, and she quickly swept them back into place.

"Yes. I was very naughty. I almost made a sound more than once. You had to pinch my ear to keep me quiet."

Luca chuckled under his breath.

"Come here."

Arabella immediately obeyed, crawling closer until she was straddling his thighs. She placed her hands lightly against his chest, her movements unhurried as she settled into position.

Luca's hands came to rest on her waist, his thumbs moving gently over the sensitive skin just above her hips.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

The earlier amusement remained in his eyes, but there was something more deliberate about the way he regarded her now. Arabella noticed the change almost immediately. Her playful smile softened, replaced by an expression of anticipation.

"Look at me," he said quietly.

She lifted her head and met his gaze.

The innocent expression was still there, but underneath it, something considerably more eager flickered in her eyes.

"Are you asking me to take control, Arabella? Properly?"

Her answer came without hesitation.

"Yes. Please. I want you to punish me. I want you to use me however you want."

The shift in Luca was subtle but unmistakable.

The relaxed slope of his shoulders straightened, and his gaze sharpened. The playful warmth that had occupied his expression moments earlier gave way to something more commanding.

He raised one hand and gently cupped her jaw, his thumb brushing the corner of her mouth.

"Then you'll do exactly as I say. No rushing. No taking what you want until I decide you've earned it. Understood?"

Arabella looked directly into his eyes.

"Yes, honey."

Luca's lips curved into a faint smile.

"Good girl."