RedNovelIt was painfully clear-the chip was never going to be his bargaining chip.
Vester kept running through his mind, searching for anything else he could offer, but cup empty every time.
Across from him, Citrine sat with her arms folded, a look of easy amusement on her face, as if she were front row
at a comedy show.
Vester wasn't one to give up so easily. Just as he looked up at Citrine, ready to speak, something in her
expression caught him off guard.
His gaze darkened, growing more intense as he studied her.
Was he really so dense that he couldn't see through a young woman's intentions, or was she just far too clever
for her own good?
He had to admit it was the latter.
So that's what this whole dance had been about. She simply wanted to test his sincerity. The realization made
Vester let out a short, incredulous laugh.
He never thought the day would cwhen he'd be outmaneuvered by a slip of a girl.
His tone turned sharp, face stern. "Ms. Carmichael, let's skip the games. What is it you really want?"
"Mr. Vester, business is war. | hope you won't hold it against me." Citrine offered a small, apologetic smile.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtShe was beautiful-striking, really. Every movement, every subtle smile, had an almost haunting allure.
Most women from the Federated States of Magnolia were athletic and bold, but Citrine, hailing from Northriver,
looked fragile and delicate by comparison- someone who inspired an instinct to protect, just by standing there.
Even Vester, who'd never gone easy on women in business, found himself softening as he looked at her, worried
his coldness might make her cry.
He couldn't keep up his icy facade for long; it melted away, replaced by a gentler expression.
Citrine had no idea about the silent struggle going on inside him.
She was here for a partnership, and saw no reason to keep up the pretense.
"Mr. Vester, | do have a favor to ask. | can't tell you the details right now, but all want is your word-if ever | need
your help in the future, you'll do
neng you can for me.
Vester was caught off guard. He'd braced himself for soutrageous demand,
but all she wanted was a promise to help, someday.
It sounded simple enough. But knowing how sharp this girl was, he decided to set the ground rules" can help,
sure-but if it's beyond my ability, you can't hold it against me."
Citrine laughed, light and genuine. "Of course."
Her laughter drew a real smile from Vester, too—one that, had his butler been present, would've been cause for
surprise.
They chatted a little longer about his treatment before Citrine stood to leave.
But Vester stopped her. "Wait-Citrine."
She turned back, puzzled. "Is there something else, Mr. Vester?"
He shook his head, smiling. "I just remembered at lunch today, things seemed a
little tense between you and your boyfriend. Did you two have a fight?"
Citrine was surprised he'd noticed something so small.
"No, we didn't fight," she said quickly,
shaking her head, though fertone
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content is on novelenglish.net! Read
the latest chapter there!
Vester noticed, of course, and
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gal." The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
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Citrine blushed, at a loss for words.
She certainly couldn't tell him she'd
stumbled out of the shower IN
Sebastian Vespers drkad, been seen
ah AR arTassmens and
somehow ended up accidentally
kissing him. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
With no real explanation, she blurted out a harmless lie. "You caught us—we did
have a little argument, but it wasn't anything serious."
She glanced at the clock. "It's late, Mr. Vester. | should go get srest."
Not waiting to see if he believed her, Citrine practically fled the room.
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