Chapter 0007

Danielle stepped into the lobby of Crest Empire.

The chauffeur took her to the underground parking lot and pointed at the car she took a ride from the day before.

“That’s the car, Ms. Wendell. Here’s the car key. I got to go.”

Danielle took the car key, her head throbbing.

In the earlier call, Karl asked, “Do you have a driver’s license?”

She gave an honest answer. “I do.”

Danielle was not lying.

However, having a driver’s license and being able to drive were two very different things.

She circled the black sedan before clicking her tongue and getting ready to get in.

As Danielle was about to click the car key, the door to the back seat opened.

Karl stepped out of the car.

Danielle was surprised. “Why were you in the car, Mr. Burt?”

“It’s my car. Can’t I be inside?”

“Oh, that’s not what I meant. Didn’t you want me to get your car cleaned?”

Karl looked aloof. “Don’t you know how to drive?”

Danielle gave him a look that asked how he knew.

Karl simply reached his hand out. “Give me the car key and get in.”

While he sat behind the wheel, Danielle took the backseat. Karl said in a flat tone, “I’m not a driver to anyone.”

Danielle hesitated for a moment before opening the door and sitting in the front passenger seat.

After that, Karl started the car and drove off. Danielle said distantly and politely, “I ruined your car, and now you’re driving me to get it washed. I’m sorry for that.”

“I’m not looking for your apology. You can do me a favor before getting the car cleaned, and we’ll be even.”

“What is it?”

“Have lunch with me.”

She turned to him. “Lunch? I’ll pass. I’m not hungry, and I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to have lunch alone with you.”

“My car is expensive, and the rug you ruined yesterday cost over 10,000 dollars. I’ll give you a 50 percent discount, so that's 5,000 dollars. Are you going to pay me back, or would you rather have lunch with me?”

“That’s daylight robbery.”

“I learned it from you yesterday. Didn’t you jack up the price?”

She made a face at him. “Are all capitalists as penny-pinching as you?”

“Haven’t you heard that the wealthy are most stingy with their money? So, what will it be? Will you pay for the damages, or will we have lunch?”

“Lunch.” She knew when it was time to concede.

However, she sensed something was off when he smirked.

The sudden silence in the car made her inhale sharply. She felt uneasy.

“Do you want some music?”

She shook her head. “No.”

“Relax a little.”

“I’m relaxed.”

“Really?” He sneered.

Danielle was annoyed as she was very relaxed.

“Mr. Burt, you don’t have a thing for me after the night before last, do you?”

Karl side-eyed her.

Danielle pouted at the look he gave her and guessed it was all in her head.

“Ha. I hope not.”

When the car pulled up in front of a restaurant, Karl pointed at the backseat and said, “There’s a change of clothes in the back. Get dressed.”

“In the car?”

“It’s safe in the car.”

He got out of the car and leaned against the side to wait.

Soon, she changed into the clothes and stepped out.

Karl checked her out, and from the look on his face, he was pleased.

He took her wrist and looped it around his elbow.

The pair went up the stairs. “Your task today is to smile and eat. Don’t make unnecessary chatter.”

She was frustrated as it appeared she was having more than just lunch with him.

Once in the private dining section of the restaurant, Danielle realized they were having lunch with a woman.