Camilla's breath hitched at Jayden's words, and a throbbing pain surged in her heart. Her hand clenched into a fist, her nails digging into her palm. The sharp pain was the only way for her to keep her cool.A whirlwind of thoughts raced through her mind as she pondered, "That's right. I'm merely his student—a student who covets her teacher. It's a purely transactional dynamic, where lusting after my body is merely part of that equation." Camilla's complexion grew pale as those thoughts consumed her, and her gaze hollowed out, reflecting the turmoils within. Suddenly, someone grabbed her hand, jolting her back to her senses. Camilla was taken aback and instinctively struggled against them. But Simon tightly held onto her hand. Camilla hissed in pain. She couldn't help but cast a cold gaze at him.Simon had a casual smile on his face the entire time. "Let's eat. I'm starving."Then, he pulled her into the private lounge.The closed-door blocked out the dark gaze, and Camilla f
Camilla's hands clenched unconsciously on her lap as she looked at Simon. She spoke softly, "Can I repay the debt in installments? Once I receive my salary, I will pay you back."Simon laughed as if he had heard the joke of the century. "No."Camilla pursed her lips.Simon took another puff of his cigarette. "You can either become my assistant or work under me. With your looks, I'm sure you can earn enough to pay me back in a single night."Camilla's face fell. "I refuse to be your assistant or work under you. Don't worry. I will pay back the debt I owe."With that, she stood up, ready to leave."By the way, I recently heard some news about your mother. It seems she came to borrow some money again," Simon's voice echoed softly through the lounge.Camilla immediately turned around and looked at him. "Refuse her!""Why won't Josephine just give up?" Camilla thought to herself. Simon gave her a weird smile. "Why not? This time, she plans to sign a high-interest loan contract. Do
Simon narrowed his eyes dangerously. He wanted to say something, but seeing Camilla's vigilant expression, he clicked his tongue and decided against it."Alright. From now on, you're my assistant," Simon said as he walked out of the private lounge.Seeing that he didn't make any advances, Camilla finally let go of the breath she was holding. They both walked out of the restaurant together. Camilla looked around instinctively, but Jayden was nowhere to be found. A tinge of disappointment crossed her face.Simon opened the car door and turned to see Camilla in her lost state. He snickered, "Ms. West, it's time to work. There's no time for melancholy."Camilla sighed to herself, put on her usual indifferent face, and climbed into the car. Simon glanced at her clothes. "Your attire does not meet my standards. I'll take you to get a couple of new outfits.""There's no need." Camilla shook her head. "I think this is fine."She was dressed in a casual shirt and a pair of jeans. Cami
Simon chuckled. "What I meant was, if I had met you earlier, I would have had fewer unhappy love affairs."Camilla remained silent. She looked at him coldly, her face devoid of any emotions.Simon asked, "Can you drive?"Camilla nodded. "Yes.""Then, drive. I had some drinks tonight." Simon opened the passenger door and got in the car."Okay." Camilla nodded and settled into the driver's seat.She programmed the GPS and set off toward Simon's place. After about 40 minutes, the red Ferrari stopped at the gate of a manor."Mr. Dashner, we have arrived." Camilla turned to look at Simon. Her tone was icy cold.Simon woke up from his nap and took in his surroundings. He furrowed his brows. "I don't live here. Let's head somewhere else."Camilla's brows furrowed in confusion. "But this is the address you gave me."Simon narrowed his eyes dangerously at her. "I am your employer. I decide where we go."Camilla fell silent. "Fine. He's the boss. Whatever he says goes," she complained
"You're asking me?" Jayden's body was pressed flush against Camilla's. He bit her ears as if to punish her.Camilla winced in pain and instinctively struggled against him. But Jayden was strong and domineering. Camilla couldn't even move an inch!"Mr. Moore, it's late. I need to go back and rest." Camilla trembled slightly against him."Is it because you're tired tonight?" Jayden mumbled faintly. His hands were gripping firmly onto Camilla's waist. As if sensing something, he carefully touched the fabric beneath.He chuckled. "He even bought you new clothes. It seems like he treats you well."Camilla turned pale. But in the pitch-black hallway, neither of them could see each other's expressions.Camilla bit her lips. "Jayden, let's continue this inside. This is a hallway. Someone could see us."The old building had poor sound insulation. Even the slightest noise from outside could be heard by light sleepers."Alright, let's go inside then." Jayden agreed swiftly.Camilla breat
Jayden's expression remained calm and indifferent, his eyes mostly concealed behind his glasses. He faintly muttered, "Before that, let's eat."Camilla slowly sat down. She glanced at his serene face before she started eating.The room fell silent. Camilla didn't have much appetite, so she ate very little and soon put down her spoon altogether."Are you full?" Jayden gently looked at her."Yes." Camilla nodded, her heart pounding. The entire situation gave a warm fuzzy feeling in her chest. Camilla even had the illusion that they were an old married couple.He was gentle with her but also so cruel.Camilla tried to stay clear-headed, not letting herself fall too deeply for him. She didn't want to lose herself completely.Jayden took out a tissue and elegantly wiped the corner of his mouth. He asked softly, "Did you have fun last night?"Camilla paused. "I didn't go to play. I was working as Simon's assistant.""What kind of assistant?" Jayden asked, "The intimate kind?"Camil
Camilla couldn't help but wonder what Jayden's problem was. She believed he was aware of her situation, yet she was nothing more than a gold digger to him, and the truth seemed to be just that. She constantly slept with him for money. Their relationship had started because of money, so talking about feelings now would seem artificial. Jayden remained skeptical whenever she talked about her feelings, convinced that it was merely another ploy for her to deceive him in pursuit of financial gain. Camilla laughed weakly and slumped down in the chair, her face visibly pale. The entire relationship was built on a faulty premise right from the start. Despite being fully aware of the hidden blade lurking beneath Jayden's facade, she persisted in their relationship solely because she longed for those rare moments of his tenderness. She knowingly accepted the risk of enduring repeated pain as the hidden knife lay in wait, ready to hurt her time and time again. After all, one man's mea
Meanwhile, across the road from the research institute, Jayden stood at attention as he watched the two women inside. He had an indifferent look on his face and a homemade lunchbox in his hand. However, it appeared that Camilla no longer had a need for it. Jayden withdrew his gaze and turned around, walking away wordlessly.… Kylie couldn't help but blurted, "Truth be told, Camilla, you're gorgeous. Why did you choose to major in biology? You should have pursued arts instead. You could have become a star in performing arts."Camilla gave her a helpless look. "Do you think anyone can just become a star?"Kylie insisted, "Well, I think you're even more beautiful than those celebrities. You should consider it."Camilla hummed. "Let's eat. I still have a lot of things to do.""Fine, let's eat." Kylie left it at that, and the two of them quickly began their meal. Camilla was indeed hungry. She greedily wolfed down the food Kylie had brought for her."Go and have fun, Kylie. I ne