Chapter 27
Looking at how fast public opinion was spreading, a satisfied smile appeared on my face. If he had just moved out overnight, he could have explained it away as the company relocating to a new office. But he just had to bet that someone could make me change my mind - well, now he can deal with the storm of public opinion.
"That was a brilliant move, going head-to-head with them so openly like that. With this mess you've stirred up, their company's market value will drop by at least half." Oscar had just finished showering, his hair still dripping wet. Seeing me looking at the news, he suddenly leaned over, resting his chin on my shoulder, his breath warm against my ear.
The scent of his shampoo filled my nose - not as strong as his usual cologne, but somehow it made me feel a bit flushed.
I pushed him away and shifted to the side: "If you want to talk, just talk. Why do you need to get so close?"
"Keep your voice down, don't let anyone hear." Oscar smiled and gestured at me, still shamelessly moving closer. "We both need to act the part. Haven't you noticed people have been watching us closely these past few days? Don't let anyone catch on."
"This is the bedroom. Get it straight - it's just the two of us, no one else. Who's going to see?" I rolled my eyes at him, really wanting to kick him out.
Oscar touched his nose: "You never know, what if there are hidden cameras?"
"Even better. I'm suddenly thinking not working with you would be easier - you just slow me down." I snorted and continued scrolling through my phone.
Oscar put on a hurt expression - one that shouldn't appear on someone who's been through countless business battles and probably killed without blinking, yet somehow he pulled it off perfectly: "Emily, you've been treating me badly since I came to find you at noon. Tell me the truth - are you jealous?"
"No way," I turned away, not wanting to admit that I actually was jealous.
"I told you, I had a bit too much to drink last night. I got them all private rooms, but I really didn't call anyone over. I just slept alone until noon, then came straight to find you without even changing. Really, you want me to swear?" He walked around to face me, very seriously explaining.
"You're not afraid lightning will strike you down." I didn't look at him, but I couldn't quite suppress the corners of my mouth.
Oscar laughed: "Why would I be afraid if I'm not lying? Look at me - young, handsome, rich, with eight-pack abs. If I just picked up anyone random, I'd be the one getting the short end of the stick."
I looked up at him, amused by his cocky statement: "Do you even hear yourself? If you're so worried about getting ripped off, why don't you set a price?"
As soon as the words left my mouth, I realized I'd gone too far. We weren't close enough to joke like this.
"Sorry, I didn't mean anything by it..." I felt my face heating up and quickly looked down to explain.
Oscar's voice was relaxed, completely unbothered: "So what exactly are you getting at?"
"What do you mean?" I was confused.
Oscar tilted his head at me: "Setting a price - how much do you think I'm worth? Name your price, I can even give you a discount."
My eyes widened as I looked at him. Though we'd gotten more comfortable with each other these past few days, we weren't casual enough to say things like this.
The Oscar I knew was sharp, decisive, a smiling fox who could match Michael - he shouldn't be like this now, so casual that I'd forgotten we were just in a contract relationship, no different from regular couples flirting.
Oscar waved his hand in front of my face: "What? I'm already this cheap, and you still think it's not enough? If it really doesn't work, free is also an option."
He grinned, and that expression felt strangely familiar.
At my coming-of-age ceremony years ago, Gregory walked toward me holding a bouquet of sunflowers: "You promised me once, after you turned eighteen, you'd be my girlfriend. Does that still count?"
I could still remember my face burning like it was on fire. He looked at me so nervously, his hand holding the flowers seemed to tremble: "Emma, is that okay?"
I took the bouquet of sunflowers from him and nodded.
He just grinned like that, smiling foolishly.
"What's wrong? Why are you spacing out?" Oscar's hand waved in front of my eyes again, pulling me back. "What are you thinking about? Are you reconsidering the price?"
I turned my head away, not wanting him to see the sting in my eyes. From the moment he walked out of that wedding, insisting on going to find Sophia, I'd already decided I would never shed another tear for him. If I actually cried, it would be my own shame.
"Nothing, it's getting late, let's get some rest." I changed the subject, picking up a pillow from the bed and tossing it to him.
Oscar caught the pillow and sighed: "Such a big bed, and there's no room for me. Emily, you really don't know a good thing when you see it. Such a handsome guy right in front of you, and you're completely unmoved - you're just wasting this opportunity."
I quickly erased the image of young Gregory from my mind. I now had long stopped believing in love - that intangible thing was far less reliable than mutual benefit.
"Mr. Lopez, what are your plans for tomorrow?" My businesslike tone made Oscar pause.
He looked at me, puzzled: "Did I say something wrong? How did I suddenly go from Oscar back to Mr. Lopez?"
"No, I just think since we're in a business relationship, it's better to keep some distance in private. If you don't need me tomorrow, I might have dinner with Nina." I said with a smile.
Oscar frowned at me: "Dinner again? You've eaten with her three times in three days, and she lives so far away..."
"What? Who I have dinner with shouldn't be your concern, right? The contract says we don't interfere with each other's social life." I reminded him.
Oscar quickly said: "The premise is that it doesn't affect the other party, right? I have something tomorrow - I need to inspect the western city project, and you need to come with me."
"The western district project of Emerald City? Aren't you afraid the Lopez family members will find out you snatched their deal?" Even if he really had to do it, he should keep a lower profile. Now wasn't the time for a complete break.
Oscar's lips curved up, his eyes deep and intense: "Don't you want to know what happened after you left?"
"What else besides you finding women?" I said irritably.
Oscar's lips curved into a smile: "Let me give you a hint - the western city project is now in my hands. Guess how I got it?"