Chapter 163 Boundaries and Compensation
Chapter 163 Boundaries and Compensation
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James loathed his loss of control tonight–and he was determined to make it right by offering her compensation.
“…Huh?”
Lily was stunned.
After what she’d done tonight–throwing herself at him, crossing countless lines–she felt like even being torn apart by horses wouldn’t be enough punishment.
She should be the one compensating him.
Sure, he was obscenely wealthy and she had no idea how much money would be enough to express her remorse, but still—she never imagined he would be the one to offer her compensation.
He’d clearly been resisting her advances, uncomfortable with every kiss and touch.
Lily understood that he was only offering to compensate her because of his unshakeable moral compass. Even though she was the one who acted out of line, he saw her as the more vulnerable party and felt responsible.
But from her perspective, she hadn’t suffered at all.
She’d only been a disgraceful, insufferable mess.
She couldn’t possibly take that billion. She wouldn’t let him pay for her mistake. Embarrassed, she blurted, “You don’t have to compensate me!”
She couldn’t admit that she remembered everything–so she paused, then added carefully, “I… I remember being knocked out after coming out of the restroom. I think I was taken to a place called The Charmer. Someone tried to hurt me. If you hadn’t shown up when you did, I’d be ruined. As for whatever happened afterward… I honestly don’t remember. All I know is you saved me. Even if my clothes were ruined or we, uh, had any physical contact, you were only helping me. You really don’t owe me anything.”
As she said that, her gaze drifted to the red marks on his throat.
She shut her eyes, trembling.
She was filthy.
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to speak again. “I… I just noticed you have some scratch marks… I really don’t remember anything that happened after we left The Charmer. Did those scratches happen during a fight or something? They. they weren’t from me, right? I didn’t do anything to you on the way home, did I? I swear I don’t remember. If I did do something and made you uncomfortable, can we just pretend it didn’t happen?”
Scratch marks from a fight?
James glanced coldly down at his shirt collar.
Fighting with another man, leaving scratch marks?
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16:50 Tue, 22 Jul
Chapter 163 Boundaries and Compensation
His stomach turned.
He wasn’t into that kind of thing.
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But there was no need to clarify. No point bringing up the absurdity of earlier. If she claimed to have blacked out–so much the better.
As for the one billion… he’d made a mistake. He’d take responsibility. He’d ask Ashton to wire the money to her tomorrow–no need to argue about it.
Expression flat, he lifted his eyes and gave a calm, indifferent reply. “Mm.”
So… he wasn’t angry anymore?
Lily quietly let out a sigh of relief.
Then, spotting a smear of blood on his shirt–Randall’s, she realized–she quickly added, “I scratched Randall’s neck earlier, got some blood on me… That might’ve gotten on your shirt when you carried me. How much did it cost? I can pay you back.”
“No need.”
James couldn’t care less about a few thousand–dollar shirts. All he wanted was for Lily to move on, find someone who suited her, and keep their lives separate.
After a moment’s pause, he added coolly, “From now on, let’s be more careful. When we see each other, keep a safe distance. No more physical contact.”
“Yes, of course!” Lily nodded like her life depended on it.
She would repent for tonight’s lust–driven madness. She’d never again make him uncomfortable.
But seeing his cold expression–still seemingly displeased–she rushed to reassure him. “Don’t worry. Next time I see you, I’ll take at least ten steps back. I promise I won’t lay a finger on you. Even if I’m drunk, or someone drugs me again, I’ll do my best to stay away. If I ever lose control and try anything… you can just throw me out. I won’t be mad.”
“Mm.”
James wasn’t unreasonable. Seeing her so earnest, he didn’t push the issue further.
After a moment, he changed the subject. “Any progress with Simon? When can I tell Grandma about you two?”
This morning, Simon had thoughtfully served her breakfast, even brought her carefully selected roses. And Lily had blushed around him, From James‘ perspective, it looked promising. He hoped they’d get together soon.
Lily glanced at him, eyes complicated.
She didn’t want to outright question his judgment….
But she couldn’t stand Simon. That walking disaster was the last man she could imagine being with.
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16:50 Tue, 22 Jul
Chapter 163 Boundaries and Compensation
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Still, she decided to phrase her answer gently–acknowledging James‘ kindness while making it clear he shouldn’t keep hoping for a match.
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