Chapter 9

Nina’s first husband was the son of Matthias, the physician who had delivered her. He passed away not long after Logan’s birth and was in fact unrelated to Alexander and Logan, making him rather insignificant.  

After the first wedding ceremony, Nina entered the bridal chamber and exchanged brief greetings with the man known to the world as her husband. Then she immediately proceeded to the inner chamber, where a tall woman with striking features–jet-black hair, dark eyes, and sharp facial contours–awaited. Her appearance bore a strong resemblance to Nina’s. Of course, that was to be expected, since Sebastian had chosen her for precisely that purpose. Without a word, the two undressed.  

This woman was the biological mother of Alexander and Logan. The brothers, being exceptionally clever, chose to treat her existence as if it had never been. One could only guess that she met a fate similar to Nina’s first husband around the same time.  

The corset, something even women rarely wore anymore. A high collar that stretched up to the jawline to conceal the protruding Adam’s apple. Days spent practicing until her throat bled, forcing out a soft, high-pitched voice. Nina had to perform femininity with every breath she took. Her nerves had sharpened like needles, and she needed an outlet to unwind.  

Fortunately, she had those closest to her–those who shared her secrets. The ones who tightened her corset. Ever since Nina had grown enough, mute slaves had always attended to her.  

At first, it might have been intended as punishment for mistakes. But the moment she felt the whip strike flesh, the vibrations and the pained expressions, the terror in their eyes–Nina was electrified by the thrill.  

Dozens of slaves had died in silence, but no one cared. No one batted an eye at how nobles mutilated their property.  

The torture escalated. The more the slaves suffered, the more broken they became–and the more polished Nina’s other life appeared.  

Among Sebastian’s children, Nina was extraordinary. Everyone had been certain she would be his heir.  

It was in the carriage returning from the funeral of Eric Schmidt–Nina’s cousin and second husband–that she reflected. Their brief second marriage had gone smoother than expected, largely because Eric had no interest in bloodlines. Of course, he never knew–Nina was incapable of bearing him a child.  

Eric hadn’t even considered taking her family name. Ironically, despite declaring he would raise his illegitimate daughter, Yvonne, as his legitimate heir, he was more distant with her than anyone. Nina had never once seen him speak to Yvonne.  

Immediately after marrying Nina, he named Alexander his successor. For once, Eric had looked almost relieved. At the time, it had been puzzling, but–  

“The Knüpfe royal family will send someone one day. When they do, give them this letter.”  

A letter, sealed with the Knüpfe crest, secretly passed to Nina before his death. She hadn’t imagined the Schmidts still had ties to the Knüpfe royals. She barely kept her composure.  

“Take care of Yvonne.”  

Had he felt some twisted sense of responsibility toward her? He had been an enigma to the end. As she buried her secretive, gloomy cousin, Nina clenched the letter in her fist. She had already formed a few theories. All that remained was to deliver it to Sebastian and Alexander, now the Count. Then her role would be over.  

She had no interest in the title of Countess. Had she lived as a man, she might have been the Count by now–but she didn’t want that either. There was only one thing she desired: Sebastian’s trade empire.  

“I’m getting old. It’s time to decide the successor for the trade network.”  

Nina smiled leisurely, masking her thoughts.  

“Take your time.”  

“No, no. These things must be done at once. Alexander.”  

Alexander, who had been staring out the window, turned his head silently. His gaze brushed past Nina, whose smile had vanished, and settled on Sebastian.  

“Alexander, you will take over.”  

To be honest, she had seen this coming. The day the teenage Alexander had towered over her, she had glimpsed something in his eyes–pity, and beneath it, disdain. Just like the look Sebastian always gave her.  

“…”  

When Alexander remained silent, Sebastian gripped his hand firmly.  

“You’re the only one who can succeed me.”  

Nina gritted her teeth as Alexander gave a dismissive nod. The crumpled letter was buried deep once more.

* * *

Until now, he had never once seen his stepdaughter as a woman. It wasn’t due to any moral high ground, nor out of loyalty to his late cousin who had left behind this girl. Even the unique appearance that disgusted Sebastian didn’t faze Nina. To his eyes, the brown-skinned foreign slaves were far more alien.

The reason he had never viewed Yvonne as a sexual being was simple–he had watched her grow from infancy. Whether she was long past marriageable age or not, to Nina, she had always been a child.

At least, until a few days ago.

Nina looked down at his stepdaughter, who had dozed off after panting in discomfort. Even in the dim candlelight, the bite marks near her collarbone were unmistakable. Whoever had left them was clearly possessive.

I wish it had been Alexander, not Logan. With a smirk, Nina lifted Yvonne’s nightgown. Full breasts swayed gently with each slow breath. This was the body of a fully grown woman.

It was strange. He’d always thought of her as a child, yet here she was, matured without him noticing. The familiar girl now seemed oddly foreign. A peculiar tension coiled in him. He trailed his hand slowly up her body.

Her ample breasts overflowed his grasp. The way they yielded to his touch was oddly satisfying. He kneaded them idly for a while, exhaling softly.

Even in sleep, her nipples stiffened under the stimulation. Rubbing them persistently made them peak even harder. Her breathing seemed to grow ragged–or was that just his imagination?

No, perhaps it was his breath hitching. Nina’s smirk had faded. His cock throbbed, swollen and aching. He needed release. Spreading Yvonne’s legs, he revealed the glistening pink folds beneath. Already, she was damp.

Nina sucked his fingers wet before pushing them inside. Twisting deep, he felt her inner muscles clench around him. When he withdrew, her hole quivered, spilling slick.

He thrust back in, this time with two fingers, then three. The wet sounds of her arousal filled the room.

“Mmm… Nngh…”

A moan, thick with sleep, escaped Yvonne’s lips. Nina’s gaze flicked to her face. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly–the only flaw in her otherwise statue-like perfection. Long white lashes fanned over her cheeks, her nose a flawless curve. Hair spilled like fine silk across the pillow.

Her parted lips made his throat tighten. He drove his fingers deeper.

“Hng…!”

Yvonne whimpered, hips jerking. Her walls fluttered around him. Nina hastily positioned himself between her thighs.

His right hand, slick with her arousal, gripped his cock. Precum mixed with her wetness as he stroked himself.

He draped Yvonne’s legs over his thighs and pressed the head of his cock to her entrance. Watching her pant beneath him, he chuckled darkly. Who’d have thought I’d go this far?

But his amusement faded, replaced by a restless heat. Something primal coiled in his gut.

He shoved inside in one thrust.

Her eyes flew open–dazed, disoriented. Too stunned to push him away. Or maybe she was used to this. In panic, she gasped out Logan and Alexander’s names. He’d already guessed she’d been with both.

“My stepdaughter, taking turns with my sons.”

“M-Mother…?”

Her horrified expression made him laugh. She calls me ‘Mother’ while I’m buried inside her.

Her fear was obscenely erotic. The urges his torture of slaves couldn’t satisfy now surged to the surface. A nameless hunger burned his throat.

“Mother… I’m sorry… I’m–Ahh!”

Her sobs only inflamed him. He slammed deeper, making her scream. Pain twisted her face–but so did pleasure. And self-loathing. It drove him wild.

“Ah! Mother, this–you can’t–Nnh…!”

Each thrust made her vision spin. She couldn’t believe this was happening. Staring up at the man atop her, she froze.

The golden hair that once cascaded to his waist was gone. Now, short black strands framed his face. No makeup, but undeniably Nina’s features. Her gaze dropped to his prominent Adam’s apple and toned chest. A man. She swallowed hard.

His cock stabbed into her tender flesh. Pleasure-pain lanced through her. His movements grew rougher.

“Hah! A-Ahh…!”

Her legs tensed uncontrollably, her whole body shaking. Resistance was futile–she came violently, back arching, mouth open in a silent cry.

Shame flooded her before the aftershocks faded. How could I feel this from him? Disbelief turned her sobs ragged. She couldn’t even look at him.

“Stop… please stop… Ah!”

A sharp slap stung her breast. When she clutched herself, he pinned her wrists. Again and again, his palm struck her chest.

“Ah! Stop–!”

Tears welled–not just from pain, but humiliation. Bound and helpless, her body jolted with each blow. Sebastian had beaten her often, but never like this–naked, violated. Shame pulsed in her skull.

“Even while getting punished, your cunt keeps clenching. Filthy slut.”

Her legs were yanked apart. His cock speared her anew, wrenching a scream from her throat.

“Aahh!”

“Never seen a whore like you. Taking it up the ass while being disciplined.”

Her ass was fully exposed, her stretched hole glistening with slick. Heat flooded her face. She squeezed her eyes shut.

“N-No… I didn’t… Ah!”

Her hair was yanked, forcing her to meet his gaze. A smiling face had never been so terrifying.

“I’m not like your grandfather, Yvonne. I don’t hate you.”

Cold fingers traced her spine. She shuddered as he smirked.

“Your depravity disappoints me, but obey, and I’ll be kind.”

Her breath hitched. She didn’t want his hatred–Sebastian’s was enough. If this wasn’t true loathing, maybe she could endure it.

Worse, she’d learned recently that her refusal changed nothing.

“Be honest.”

He loomed over her, his hard body pressing her down. His breath scorched her ear.

“Did it feel good?”

“…”

She bit her lip and nodded. He kissed her, tongue claiming her mouth. The taste of tears was salt on his lips.

Through blurred vision, she saw his satisfied smile. His face mirrored Alexander’s, but his grin was all Logan.

Nina flipped her onto her stomach. A gasp escaped as he lifted her hips. The head of his cock pressed against her other entrance.

“Ngh! M-Mother… not there…!”

Her ass was too tight, but slick from her arousal allowed him to force his way in. She sobbed at the awful stretch.

With a groan, Nina began thrusting. The doll-like woman shook beneath him, her cries fueling his hunger. He fucked her ruthlessly.

“Thought you were useless… but you’ve got talent, Yvonne.”

“Hah… Ahh…!”

She couldn’t even reply, her breath coming in ragged bursts. Mercifully, she passed out before he finished.