6
I was stunned, not expecting him to mention those weapons.
That time when I chased him for 9 blocks and got caught, I refused to let go of the machetes no matter what.
He even teased me, saying I was too rough and Ethan would definitely not marry me as his wife. I was just asking for trouble.
Who knew his words would come true now.
Seeing my expression change, Xavier immediately raised his hands in surrender and changed the subject:
“Alright, my little ancestor, I was being tactless.”
I was a bit surprised. Ethan would never apologize to me. He would only look down on me from above.
But Xavier seemed a bit different.
I pushed down the bitterness in my heart and curved my red lips, pretending to be relieved:
“The knives rusted. Some people have also rotted. You were right before, what needs to be thrown away should be thrown away.”
“Xavier, don’t apologize. You should congratulate me.”
The sea breeze was salty, with a hint of coolness.
But Xavier’s gaze towards me revealed an unstoppable heat.
We stood in the sea breeze, silent for a long time, before he curved a meaningful smile:
“I should congratulate you. Congratulations on breaking free from your dark past and welcoming a new life. And congratulations to me…
I turned to him, confused: “Congratulations to you for what?”
“Congratulations to me… for finally winning you over.”
Xavier’s almond–shaped eyes looked at me, filled with starlight.
My heart skipped a beat, and I felt my face heating up. But I shook my head and said seriously:
“It’s just a transaction, Xavier. I haven’t sold myself to you.”
Hearing my words, Xavier burst out laughing, his eyes full of affection:
“Yes, you’re too smart. You’re a treasure that can’t be bought even with money!”
I pouted.
After decades of entanglement with Ethan, fighting desperately for his money and power, I had schemed and killed, working both sides of the
<
But in the end, all I got was his betrayal.
All those vows and passion were just tricks. Only money and power in your own hands are truly yours.
Even facing an opponent like Xavier who knew me inside out, I would never easily bet on myself again.
What I used to trade with him was never myself.
“After you take over Ethan’s territory, I only want half of his cash and real estate. Promise me that, and I’ll tell you all about his operations.”
I paused, then continued: “Don’t wipe out all his men except the core members. Try to keep them under you, just let them make a living… Lastly, let me go.”
“No.” Xavier came closer, bending down to look straight at me, his tone brooking no argument:
“I’ll agree to all your other requests, but not the last one.”
I bit my lip, glaring at him: “Why not?”
Xavier grabbed my chin, chuckling: “Because I’m going to pursue you!”
“Wait for me to take down Ethan first. After that, whether you stay or go, it’s up to you.”
That night, lying in bed, I tossed and turned, Xavier’s words echoing in my mind.
Because I’m going to pursue you!
I couldn’t sleep, but suddenly remembered Ethan mentioning Xavier to Lily last night.
“Anyway, Xavier is wary of her, so he won’t go all out against me.”
Why? Why would Xavier hold back just because I was there?
I suddenly sat up in bed, feeling irritated and restless. I went downstairs to catch some cool air.
Suddenly, a blanket was draped over my shoulders. Xavier was leaning on the railing in his pajamas.
With a look that said I was giving him a headache: “Catching a chill in the middle of the night, even the healthiest body can’t take that kind of abuse.”
Fingering the blanket, I replied flatly: “Thanks, but you could have pretended not to see me.”
I chose to ally with Xavier simply because I thought he could beat Ethan. After so many encounters, I knew his capabilities well.
But I didn’t want any emotional entanglement with him. That would only make me repeat my mistakes.
Yet Xavier’s gaze remained fixed on me, the depths of his eyes seeming to see through all my pretenses.
“But I did see you, and I can’t help wanting to be good to you. What should I do, Aria?”
“Am I really worse than him?”
“Aria, do you really not want to give me a chance?”
The man’s voice was too seductive, even his breathing seemed like deliberate temptation.
This question made my heart tremble.
Did I really not want to give Xavier a chance?
The moment I came to find him, I seemed to have already tied myself to him.
12:54 PM
<
The dim light illuminated his handsome face. Actually, Xavier’s looks were really quite good.
He was definitely much more handsome than Ethan.
I felt genuinely ashamed of my superficial tendencies.
That alluring voice sounded again:
“If you have no feelings for me, why are you wearing the red dress I sent you?”
“Why did you come to me first when something happened? Weren’t you afraid I’d take advantage of the situation…”
“Or maybe, deep down, you’ve already…”
