10
Mrs. Miller eventually agreed. I followed her into the study.
“Mrs. Miller,” I began, my voice steady. “I’m sure you have your ways of confirming whether I’ve done anything inappropriate to your son. After all, I doubt his bedroom is the only one with cameras in this house, is it?”
Mrs. Miller raised an eyebrow, neither confirming nor denying.
“While Cole is now eating and sleeping regularly, his condition remains unstable. If you dismiss me so abruptly, it could severely damage your rela- tionship with him.”
“So, why don’t we rneet halfway? You give me the agreed–upon five million dollars, and I assure you, I can manage everything.”
She watched me, then a faint smile touched her lips. “If you can truly ‘seduce‘ my son, you’ll get more than five million.”
I shrugged. “I’m only interested in quick money.”
Mrs. Miller considered this for a moment, then signed a check for me. “I hope you’ll stick to your word. Don’t forget your brother is waiting for this surgery fee.”
When I emerged, Cole was crouched by the door. He seemed to have an ominous premonition. He rose, walked over to me, and carefully touched my hand. “Big sister, please don’t go?”
My hand went to the check in my pocket, still warm, and suddenly I found myself speechless.
He spoke again. “If you leave, I’ll never forgive you.”
“I’m tired,” I met his gaze.
“What?”
“I’m tired of taking care of a grown man–child who can’t even eat or sleep on his own.”
My expression must have been terrible, because he cried. “When you can take care of yourself, when you’re a mature man, then come find me.”
