"It''s your fault for going back on your word, not mine."


    He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close. Her waist was so slim he could circle it with one hand and still have room to spare. It reminded him of how much he loved holding her waist in bed. He licked his dry lips, his eyes drifting to her red-painted lips. "Today, you don''t need to sacrifice yourself. Once this deal is done, I can reward you."


    "I want a million dors."


    It was the first time she had made such a demand. She needed the money for Robin''s medical bills and had nowhere else to get it.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Casper had driven Robin to madness, so he should be the one to pay for the treatment.


    Casper was momentarily stunned, then heughed mockingly. He lifted her chin with his hand. "Just for mingling with me, you want a million dors?"


    He shoved her away roughly, his cold eyes scrutinizing her. "Eliza, I don''t like women who ask for money."


    Money was something he gave on a whim, not something she could demand.


    Eliza remained silent, her demeanor calm.


    She knew Casper too well. He would''vee with Nova if this was a simple social event. The fact that he wanted Eliza to go meant he was either exploiting her looks or handling something only she could aplish. Like thest time at Daniel''s house, he invited her because she was good friends with Renee.


    Eliza could gauge the type of guests attending the event by the outfit Casper chose for her.


    "Mr. Casper''s time is valuable. The guests are already waiting. Please don''t make him angry," Faithe said coldly.


    Casper''s sternness faded as he pocketed his hands and turned. "Let''s go."


    The car left Falconridge, heading towards the suburbs.


    The road was narrow, surrounded by greenery, like a path leading into a fairytale.


    Eliza''s gaze turned forlorn.


    Casper nced at her. "We''re going to see a man named Carter, a renowned figure in Western painting. You''re familiar with him, aren''t you?" Carter had been her professor in college.


    He and his wife were very fond of her, treating her like their own daughter. She often had free meals at Mr. Carter''s home during her college years. Casper really did his homework.


    "Mr. Casper, what kind of business are you nning with Professor Carter?"


    "Welton International is nning to


    establish thergest auction house in Falconridge. We''ve scouted several locations but weren''t


    d. Your professor owns


    piece ofnd that would be perfect.


    It would be ideal if you couldtect.


    convince him to sell thend to Welton International and agree to have his works disyed and sold in the art gallery."


    It sounded very noble when put that way. In simpler terms, he wanted thend, the rights, and control over the auctions.


    His gaze lingered on her lips. "I heard Carter''s wife is very fond of you."


    ?


    "So," Eliza smirked at Casper. "Mr. Casper wants to use my rtionship with Amaya to secure this deak You


    will offer me a reward based on your


    mood, right?"


    Casperughed as if he had heard a funny joke.


    "Even if I don''t pay you, what will you do? Eliza, what right do you have to negotiate with me?"


    "I may not have any rights, but I can choose not to go." She directed her words to the driver. "Stop the car up ahead."


    "Do you think he will stop? Or do you really think you have a choice not to attend His patience was wearing thin, and he scoffed. "Enough I said I would reward you, and I will."


    "I want a million dors." She insisted.