Ross spent the night with Ren, leaving her utterly satisfied by the time morning arrived.
The young 18-year-old glowed with contentment, a smile lingering on her lips that spoke volumes about the night they had shared.
Imari, however, experienced a very different set of emotions.
Deep inside, she felt a gnawing emptiness that wouldn’t go away, no matter how much she tried to bury it.
Envy coursed through her veins as she watched Ren bask in Ross’s undivided attention.
The bitterness was hard to swallow, yet she forced herself to maintain a calm and aloof exterior, refusing to let anyone see the turmoil she hid so well.
Ever since that night, Imari found herself sleeping alone as Ross took Ren into his bed every evening, leaving the rest of his women vying for his affection on different nights.
Imari couldn’t stop herself from sneaking glimpses at their interactions.
She told herself it was curiosity, nothing more, but each peek drew her deeper into a complex web of feelings.
Slowly, just as Mary had before her, she found herself slipping.
The walls she had built around her heart began to crack, though she fought desperately to keep them intact.
Ross, of course, noticed her growing vulnerability but chose not to rush things. He had no reason to.
With so many women at his disposal, his needs were more than fulfilled.
He could afford to be patient, letting Imari’s curiosity and envy do the work for him.
When the winter semester began, Ren and Imari joined Ross at Sunset Hills University.
It didn’t take long for the campus—and the world beyond it—to buzz with gossip about him.
Just a week into the new term, social media exploded with new images and updates of Ross and his entourage.
Pictures of him with Ren and Imari spread like wildfire, sparking debates among his loyal fanbase and the ever-vocal keyboard warriors.
"Wow! Ross Oakley scored two new girls!"
"And they’re Japanese this time! Damn, they’re stunning!"
"I love them already! Ren is so sexy!"
"No way! Sophia’s still the queen!"
"I disagree. Mary has a classic beauty. She’s still my favorite!"
"Are you blind? Look at Imari’s eyes! She’s the best!"
And so, the discussions raged on, each opinion louder and more impassioned than the last.
While the online world buzzed with speculation and adoration, somewhere far away, a different kind of storm was brewing.
News of Ross’s growing fame and expanding circle of women had reached someone who had a vested interest in someone close to him.
This person wasted no time. They were already on their way, moving with haste to reach Ross and his companions.
A day later, a strikingly beautiful and dignified woman arrived at Ross’s home, accompanied by a younger woman whose beauty rivaled her own.
Their car rolled up to the gates around noon, its sleek black exterior reflecting the sun.
They stepped out with the grace of people who were accustomed to commanding attention, yet their movements were measured, almost cautious.
The younger woman approached the intercom, pressing the doorbell and waiting.
When no one answered, she turned back toward her companion.
"I think they’re all at school, boss. Should we head there next?" she asked in Japanese, her voice soft yet clear. Read new adventures at empire
The older woman shook her head slightly, her sharp eyes scanning the quiet mansion beyond the gates.
"No," she replied calmly. "We’ll wait for them here. It’s better not to attract any unnecessary attention to ourselves."
And so, they waited.
Hours passed, the afternoon sun gave way to the warm hues of twilight, and still, the gates remained shut.
The older woman sat with an air of unshakable patience, while the younger woman fiddled with her phone, occasionally casting a curious glance at the mansion.
Night had fallen by the time Ross and his entourage returned. It had been another lively evening.
They rarely stayed home for dinner, as Ross’s preference for fine dining often led them to the most exclusive restaurants in the city.
While the girls occasionally begged him to cook—his culinary skills were surprisingly impressive—Ross usually brushed them off, claiming he cooked only when he felt like it.
Tonight had been no exception; their night out was filled with laughter, indulgent meals, and the kind of carefree luxury that Ross’s lifestyle afforded.
As their convoy approached the gates, Ross’s sharp gaze immediately noticed the unfamiliar car parked nearby.
Even as they drove in, the sleek black vehicle followed them closely, pulling up to park behind their cars as the gates closed.
Ross stepped out of his car, his usual relaxed demeanor in place, though his eyes were alert.
"It seems we have guests," he remarked casually, gesturing toward the two women stepping out of the black car.
All eyes turned to them. The older woman’s poised figure exuded authority, her sharp, calculating gaze taking in the group before her.
Beside her, the younger woman appeared more cautious, though no less confident, her gaze quickly locking onto Ren.
"Oh… oh… Ren-chan," one of Ross’s girls quipped, her voice dripping with amusement.
"It looks like your mom’s here to spank your butt."
Laughter rippled through the group at the teasing comment, and even Ross smirked, though his curiosity was clearly piqued.
Ren, however, seemed unfazed. She rolled her eyes, her lips curving into a mischievous grin.
"She’s not allowed to do that anymore," she shot back, her tone laced with playful defiance.
"Only Ross can spank me now."
Her bold response earned another round of laughter from the group.
It was evident that Ren had grown far more confident in just the span of a week.
Sharing Ross with the other women had, surprisingly, not diminished her sense of self—instead, it had done the opposite.
Her bond with the group had deepened, and she carried herself with a newfound pride that radiated in her every word and gesture.
The older woman’s gaze, however, darkened at Ren’s words.
Her composed expression barely wavered, but the faintest hint of disapproval flickered in her eyes.
She took a step forward, her authoritative presence quieting the laughter.
***
Huge shoutout and thanks to ddecoen for the gifts!
You are awesome! Thank you! ^_^