Chapter 157

Chapter 157

This time, Mia wasn't nearly as reckless as before. The reason she used to act so carefree and thoughtless around David was simple — she had never owed him anything.

Besides, from the way David treated her, she could tell that even if they were meant to be together someday, there was still a long road ahead.

But today — especially right now — David had just turned around and handed her a gift worth over 60 million dollars. And this came on top of him kissing her earlier that same day.

If she acted the same way she used to and cracked some joke about giving herself to him, or said something even more forward, and David actually said yes — would she really hand herself over to this guy?

Not that the thought hadn't crossed her mind before. But when it came down to actually doing it, she didn't feel ready.

Realizing this, Mia quickly waved her hand and said, "No, no — I really don't want you making any demands right now."

David had no intention of teasing her any further. He let it go and turned his attention back to the TV.

The living room felt a little strange. Mia felt like she was dreaming.

Even after David signed and stamped the transfer document and arranged for Laser to go with her tomorrow to handle the paperwork, Mia still felt like she was in a daze.

"Ms. Wilson, it's getting late. I won't ask you to stay the night. After all, I'm a married man — having you over all the time might give people the wrong idea."

Mia pressed her lips together and asked, "Mr. Jones, I'm curious — do you really have no other expectations from me? Like, is there nothing you want me to do for you?"

David smiled. "Don't worry about it. Besides, what could you even do for me?"

Right as he said that, something suddenly came to mind. His smile faded and he looked at her seriously. "Actually, wait — I almost forgot something important. Come to think of it, there is one thing I'm going to need your help with."

Mia felt some of the tension leave her. As long as David needed something from her, she could at least feel a little better about accepting those 25 acres of land.

"Go ahead, what is it?"

David's expression turned serious. "From now on, can you stop trying to stir up trouble between me and Elizabeth? The way you're going, we might actually end up divorced."

Mia stared at him for a moment. Then, without missing a beat, she rolled her eyes at him. "Dream on. You shameless, heartless jerk. You're the worst. An absolute fraud."

She unloaded every word she could think of all at once. Then, before David could say anything, she grabbed the transfer document and walked out, thoroughly disappointed.

David watched her go and let out a quiet sigh. He thought to himself that if he'd known Mia was going to be this ungrateful, he might as well have asked for something real in return.

Laser was doubled over laughing. Once Mia was out of sight, he said to David bluntly, "Boss, you know exactly what Mia feels for you. Why would you say something like that? You were just poking at her."

David lit a cigar and said without a hint of shame, "What do you know? I'm a married man. I can't do anything that crosses a line."

Laser burst out laughing. "Boss, Ms. Wilson was right — you really do have a way with words."

Time moved on, and the next day arrived.

Ten o'clock in the morning, outside Hill Enterprises. Elizabeth took a breath, steadied herself, and walked through the entrance, nerves and all.

When security stopped her, Elizabeth smiled and said, "I just called the manager in your project department. I'm here to discuss a potential partnership."

The guard didn't let her through right away. He called the project department to confirm first, and only then allowed her in.

Given Elizabeth's current standing, getting a direct meeting with Ruby was going to be nearly impossible. So she had no choice but to follow the proper process — meet with the manager first, then let him pass along her credentials and documents to Ruby from there.

She made her way up to the project department on the fifth floor. When she saw the crowd lined up to submit their materials, her heart sank.

She'd expected a fair number of people, but not this many.

She hadn't even finished counting the line when she heard a familiar voice behind her. "Elizabeth? You're here too?"

It was Lily — and Mia was right there with her.

Elizabeth turned around. The sight of the two of them made her smile weakly. "How are you two just getting here?"

Mia looked at the long line ahead and groaned. "Who knew there'd be this many people? Hey, Elizabeth — why didn't you just hand your materials to David and have him bring them up for you? Lily said she saw him in the building on the way up."

At the mention of David, Elizabeth's expression soured. "Can you two please not bring him up around me?"

Lily played along with a grin. "Elizabeth, you two just registered your marriage. Don't tell me you're already fighting?"

Mia laughed. "What's wrong with a little argument? You'll make up in a few days."

That's what she said out loud. But inside, Mia knew better. David and Elizabeth weren't even close to being a real couple — if anything, she was probably closer to David than Elizabeth was.

She at least knew what his lips felt like. She was pretty sure Elizabeth couldn't say the same.

Of course, that was the kind of thought she had to keep to herself. She definitely couldn't say it to Elizabeth's face.

Elizabeth shot Mia a look. "You seem so eager to get along with him — maybe I should just hand him over to you."

Mia's face lit up. "Really? You said it yourself. Come on, let's go find him right now."

She grabbed Elizabeth's arm and started pulling her along.

Elizabeth yanked her hand free, visibly annoyed. "Mia, stop fooling around. We're waiting in line."

Mia's eyes lit up with a different idea. "You two wait in line. I'll go find David and get myself some special treatment."

Lily grinned. "Mia, just make sure you don't end up giving out a reward before you get any special treatment."

Mia punched her in the shoulder. "His wife is standing right here — watch what you say!"