Chapter 51
“Fine, but remember, you’re still my wife, so later you’ll join me at the psychiatric hospital.”
Rosemary’s brows knitted together – the nerve of him!
Though Maxwell’s tone maintained a calm facade, the uneven breaths whispering past her ear told another story. It was clear to Rosemary that any further resistance from her end might provoke him into a more violent expression of his ire.
A heavy silence draped over the room.
Maxwell’s eyes flicked to his watch, counting down the seconds, it seemed.
Breaking the silence, Rosemary ventured, “Ten million.”
“What?”
“That’s the price for my company. If this deal you’re roping me into wipes out the three hundred million debt, so be it. Otherwise, you owe me ten million for the labor.”
If the deal ultimately falls through, was she setting herself up for a bigger fall?
No, Rosemary wouldn’t make such a stupid mistake. Already, Maxwell had lost her trust. Every fiber of her being screamed that this was a trap!
This kind of business socializing was a mere matter of hours, nothing more. Her job was simply to be present, a mere ornament on his arm.
Whether it was offsetting the debt or getting ten million as “hardship fees,” it was a win.
Maxwell, with a sardonic snort, retorted, “Ten million? You think you are coated in gold or what?”
Undeterred by his mocking, Rosemary pressed on, “In what capacity will I be going with you?”
“Their side is bringing a spouse, so naturally, you and I will go as a married couple.”
Rosemary shrugged, “There you have it, I have to play the part of a loving wife with you, be paraded around by you, probably have to drink, make small talk and cozy up to them – it’s exhausting. Besides, remarriage already affects one’s prospects. If word gets out, it’ll be even harder to find someone who can handle the pressure of marrying me. So not a penny less than ten million. If you don’t agree, I’ll save up the three hundred million myself.”
Maxwell gritted his teeth, each word forced out, “You’re thinking of remarrying?”
“Of course,” Rosemary replied nonchalantly with a smile, “You wouldn’t think that just because you’re a bad apple, I’d lose faith in all men, right? You don’t carry that much weight, ah.”
She cried out in pain as Maxwell, the freak, nearly crushed her waist!
Seeing her in pain made Maxwell laugh, and the strength he applied to her waist lightened significantly, “Your mouth sure is only good for crying out in pain.”
Rosemary: ??? What the hell kind of remark is that!
“The other party’s plane arrives at the airport at nine the day after tomorrow. We’ll go pick them up together.”
This meant he had agreed to her terms.
Rosemary wasn’t surprised. Compared to a cooperation worth over ten billion, ten million was mere peanuts.
Seeing Maxwell not leaving but instead heading further into the room, she hurriedly pulled him back, “We have finished talking. You can leave now.”
“I’m exhausted. I’m staying here tonight.”
“What?”
Did he think this was his private retreat, where he could just show up and expect to be served tea and have a bed made for him as a matter of course?
The natural physical difference between men and women was evident at that moment – as even standing without exerting force, Maxwell couldn’t be moved by her at all.
Rosemary pursed her lips, her thoughts quickly shifting, then she rubbed her stomach, “You can stay, but I’m hungry now. I haven’t had dinner yet.”
“So?” Maxwell raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a mocking smile, “Do you expect me to go downstairs and buy you something to eat? Rosemary, are you dreaming to boss me around?”
“How dare I boss you around. I just wanted you to accompany me. There’s a snack stall downstairs. It’s quite remote, and it’s not safe for a woman to go out alone at midnight around here.”
Maxwell eyed her palm-sized face; if she didn’t eat, she would get even thinner. He snorted coldly, “Knowing it isn’t safe and still moving out. You’re asking for trouble, and you deserve it.”
Despite his words, he still opened the door and walked out, casting a glance at Rosemary still in her slippers, frowning as he urged, “Hurry up, I’ll give you a minute to change your shoes.”
At this moment, Rosemary held the doorknob, turned towards him with a bright smile. Under Maxwell’s warning gaze, she slammed the door shut with a “bang“!
The next second, she locked the door and went to bed!
Maxwell, kicked out into the cold, wore a sullen expression on his face. Damn it.
But he let it go, deciding not to stoop to her level. He was a man of great tolerance.
The day the representative arrived; Rosemary took a day off to accompany Maxwell to the airport to pick them up.
After brief introductions, they each got into their cars.
Soon, Rosemary saw the resort in the distance, her brows furrowed tightly. She finally understood why Maxwell had insisted she bring additional clothes, claiming he was worried she’d have none to change into if she got drunk and vomited. He was such a liar!
“How long are we staying here?”
“It depends on when the contract is signed.”
“If it’s signed tonight, can I leave tonight?”
She had only asked for one day off.
Maxwell gave her a look, both his gaze and expression ice-cold, “Mrs. Templeton, ten million isn’t so easily earned. Do your job first, then we can negotiate terms.”
As they spoke, the car carrying the representative pulled into the resort. Mr. and Mrs. Ferber, along with two assistants, stepped out. Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.
Mr. Ferber said, “I’ve heard about the natural hot springs at this resort and always wanted to visit, but never had the time to come, but today’s the day.”
Mrs. Ferber, holding his arm, despite being well-preserved in her forties, had clear fine lines at her eyes and forehead, “Then let’s stay in Greenwood a few more days, take the chance to play here.”
Mr. Ferber unenthusiastically responded, “How old are you, always thinking about playing? Look at Mrs. Templeton, she’s clearly a helper for Mr. Templeton.”
Rosemary smiled politely, “I love playing too, it’s just that having grown up in Greenwood, nothing here feels new to me. If we were to go to Zion City, I’m sure I’d find everything fascinating. Mr. and Mrs. Ferber must be quite busy managing a big company. It’s not often you get to come here, so you should definitely make the most of it.”
Mr. Ferber’s gaze lingered on Rosemary for a few more seconds before he smiled, “Mrs. Templeton has a point. Once the contract is signed, we’ll trouble you for a few more days.”
Rosemary simply smiled. She left the small talk to Maxwell and continued to play her role as a decorative figure.
She didn’t like this Mr. Ferber and couldn’t be bothered to make an effort to converse with him.
It was now noon, and the group headed straight to the restaurant. The meals at this resort had been featured on a culinary show, but since it was so far from the city center, Rosemary had never had the chance to come by.
The restaurant was on the second floor. It was crowded due to lunchtime, but even so, Rosemary’s eyes immediately found Martin at a window booth.
He was talking to someone, his hand holding a cigarette resting on the table, with swirls of smoke curling around his fingers.
He and his group of good-looking and charismatic affluent youths were sitting together, easily the center of attention in the entire hall.
Maxwell’s voice, dripping with sarcasm, dropped down from above her head, “Do you want to go sit with him?”
Rosemary gave him a nonchalant look, suspecting Maxwell knew of her history with Martin here.
Her smile didn’t reach her eyes as she replied, “Yes, you know me too well.”
After saying this, she headed straight towards the window seat, but Maxwell’s face turned cold as he yanked her back.