Tao Yu, interrupted mid-meal by Yue Linze's weeding order, was internally fuming. However, seeing the housekeeper's apologetic yet firm expression, she knew that disobeying Yue Linze would mean her dismissal from the Yue estate.

Resigned, she pushed aside her concerns about appearing too compliant and sought out the gardener for a weeding machine. After a brief lesson, she began tackling the overgrowth in the back garden.

The estate Yue Linze currently resided in was reportedly a gift from his father upon his birth. Having undergone continuous expansions over the years, the size of the backyard was considerable.

Tao Yu, fighting off hunger, cleared a large section of the lawn, her back aching and her sweater covered in grass clippings. She looked utterly disheveled.

Despite her appearance, when she saw the housekeeper approaching, a practiced smile appeared on her face. "It's done."

"Thank you for your hard work, Dr. Tao. Rehabilitation is in twenty minutes. Will you be heading to the rehabilitation room now?" The housekeeper’s voice trailed off as he noticed her expression falter, a pang of guilt hitting him.

Tao Yu quickly recovered. "It would be disrespectful to see Mr. Yue in this state. Would it be possible for me to change first?"

"Of course, Dr. Tao." The housekeeper gestured.

Tao Yu nodded and headed towards her room. Only after closing the door behind her did her face fall. Wasting no time, she pulled off her sweater one-handed, eager for a quick shower.

After hearing the housekeeper's report, Yue Linze opened the surveillance feed just in time to see her pulling off her sweater with a casual, almost defiant, air. He glanced at the housekeeper standing before him, whose position perfectly obscured the phone screen. Noticing Yue Linze's look, the housekeeper immediately asked, "Sir, is something the matter?"

"Nothing." Yue Linze calmly returned his attention to the phone, watching as Tao Yu shed her clothes until only her undergarments remained.

Her slender waist was perfectly proportioned. Her chest, which had appeared modest before, now revealed its unexpected fullness. The Yue family's surveillance cameras were high-definition, so clear that Yue Linze could see the gentle sway of her bre*sts as she moved.

Her sweater fell to the floor, dislodging a small, round object that rolled under the bed. Yue Linze then watched as she knelt, reaching under the bed, her backside arched high and round.

An indefinable emotion flickered in his eyes.

"Sir?" The housekeeper looked at the still, statue-like Yue Linze with concern.

Yue Linze lowered his gaze. "It's almost time."

"I'll take you to the rehabilitation room." The housekeeper was heartened by Yue Linze's lack of resistance, even his initiative.

Yue Linze remained silent as the housekeeper pushed him towards the rehabilitation room. They arrived at the door precisely at 2:10 pm. He glanced at his watch, and the housekeeper quickly said, "Dr. Tao mentioned needing to change. It's possible she's running late. Perhaps we should wait a moment." 

‘This doctor is the only one who can get him to cooperate with his rehabilitation. I have to keep her here.’

Yue Linze looked at him. The housekeeper was about to plead further when the door opened from the inside. Tao Yu greeted them with a calm smile. "Mr. Yue, please come in."

Yue Linze, his gaze lingering on the now more pronounced curve of her chest, entered the room in silence. The housekeeper smiled at Tao Yu and closed the door behind them.

Tao Yu, still catching her breath from rushing, walked over to Yue Linze with a smile. "Mr. Yue, may I help you to the sofa?"

Yue Linze, recalling her earlier struggles on the sofa, gave her a curt look. "No."

Tao Yu paused, then sat opposite him, smiling. "Then allow me to explain the rehabilitation process. First..."

Her stomach rumbled loudly.

Tao Yu took a deep breath and looked at Yue Linze apologetically. "I apologize. I didn't eat much lunch."

A flicker of amusement crossed Yue Linze's eyes. He casually pressed a few numbers on the nearby landline. The housekeeper's voice answered promptly. "Sir, is something the matter?"

"Bring some food here," Yue Linze said coldly before hanging up.

Tao Yu offered an embarrassed smile, thinking that perhaps the man had some redeeming qualities after all, at least offering some compensation after putting her through the wringer.

She quickly retracted that thought as she watched, expressionless, while Yue Linze ate elegantly before her.

Only after swallowing the last bite of steak did Yue Linze slowly lower his knife and fork, lifting his eyes to meet hers. "One last chance. Do you want to resign?"

"Certainly not," Tao Yu replied with a strained smile.

"No wages, tireless work, willing to endure humiliation," Yue Linze scoffed, his face impassive. "Who's behind you?"

His tone sharpened, his gaze piercing like a blade. Tao Yu's lips twitched, knowing the inevitable confrontation had finally arrived.