Colin found the situation boring at this point.
"Probably because she will never treat a man as her everything, nor will she do anything immoral to get a man. She has more principles than you. You look down on her?"
"From the most primitive and brutal perspective, you've lost in terms of looks. She also graduated from a prestigious school. As for background, it's not something people can choose. Forcing unwanted feelings onto others, with your mindset, who could you have a good relationship with?"
He stood up after speaking, finding it all quite amusing.
He never thought Eranthe was unworthy of him; he had always insisted on this relationship, which led to the current situation. On the other hand, she never expected him to stay, making it impossible for him to leave.
One thing she said was true, maybe he was inherently like this.
Minako Ioli stared blankly at him, waiting for Colin's order to have her imprisoned and the news released, offici
"Want another round?" Colin hoarsely asked.Eranthe, panting, her eyes hazy, her red lips glistening, replied, "Aren't we almost at the shore?"Bending down, the man murmured, "Let them wait."This time, Colin didn't exert himself too much. When it was done, he simply took Eranthe to the bathroom for a quick wash, then carried her out of the yacht and into the car to rush back to the hotel.Eranthe slept in his arms the whole time. Colin held her close until Morris softly said, "Mr. Wilson and Mr. Clark are on their way and will arrive in half an hour.""Okay, send someone to pick them up.""Sure. Also, Takayuki Miyazaki is causing trouble at our hotel. He's talking nonsense, but without your orders, our men haven't dared to act yet."Colin looked at Eranthe's delicate sleeping face and said lightly, "His hands are too dirty. Cut them off."Morris took a deep breath. "Wouldn't that..."Colin cut him off with a glance.
It was a feeling entirely different from being with Dylan. She couldn't fully trust Dylan, but with Colin, if she couldn't trust him, she didn't know who else to trust.Oriel fell silent."Whatever you decide, I'll support you. There's nothing shameful about liking someone, especially when you're both single. You can choose how you want to be together," Oriel said thoughtfully."In a way, from an outsider's perspective, if Colin didn't care for you, he wouldn't go to such lengths," she continued. "In our circle, there are plenty of men who treat women as playthings, don't expect those men to have any conscience.""I overheard Frank and the others talking. Colin plans to retaliate against the Miyazaki family. They're worried he'll suffer losses, which is why they rushed over here.""In a sense, I think he's really a man."Oriel didn't stay long with Eranthe before Colin returned, probably feeling uneasy. Oriel wisely suggested she should rest
Confused, Oriel asked, "What do you mean?""From what I know about him, whether or not they have a label, he'll give Eranthe the most basic loyalty. As long as Eranthe doesn't leave him, he won't be the one to leave first."Oriel was baffled. "What kind of logic is that? You make it sound like the choice in this relationship lies with Eranthe."Frank smirked, "I understand him better than you do, and I understand men better than you do.""If he didn't like her, he wouldn't bother so much. Colin never makes losing deals. The more he invests, the harder it is for him to let go. We're outsiders; we see things clearer than they do."Oriel choked up. Frank wasn't stupid; he could surely see that Eranthe liked Colin too."I don't understand," she admitted.If they are together, what could be more suitable than pledging sovereignty, turning each other into official girlfriends?"If I've said everything, it's not because I'm defending
"Do you like this kind of stuff?"Startled, Eranthe snatched her phone back, blushing. "Uh, well, you know, art imitates life. There must be a reason why these books are popular."Colin sat down, and Eranthe suddenly looked at him with anticipation."What? Are you planning for a one-night stand with me and then fleeing abroad? To give birth to a hacker son?"Eranthe clicked her tongue. "Are you teasing me?""Just curious," Colin replied innocently."Do you have any ex-girlfriends?""Nope, so your kidneys, heart, corneas, and even your fingernails are all intact," Colin said casually as he picked up his laptop to check his emails.Eranthe hugged a pillow. "You seem to know quite well. Have you been secretly investigating me?""I might have stumbled upon it online," Colin replied.He took a sip of tea."So, tell me, would your mother suddenly appear and then slap a wad of checks in my face, asking me to leave
Eranthe suddenly remembered how he insisted on adjusting those indescribable positions on the yacht, holding onto her ankle. She cursed, "Pervert! You really have such thoughts.""I'm a normal man, is it strange to desire the opposite sex?" Colin didn't understand her anger."Or, do you hope that I see you like that and have no reaction?" Eranthe retorted.Eranthe remained silent, feeling like she wanted to bite this silver-tongued devil who spoke as if reporting business performance with every lewd word."Want to bite? Here, bite these," Colin pointed to his own lips.Rolling her eyes, Eranthe retorted, "Give me back my phone! Go on with your meeting."Colin had urgent matters to attend to, so he didn't tease her any further. After returning her phone, he didn't let her leave but instead placed her feet on his lap while he worked on his laptop beside her.Covered with a small blanket, Eranthe leaned against the sofa and played with h
"If this isn't love from him, then no woman can resist such a man," Oriel remarked.To fall for him would be so painful.The things he gave were always more than what you asked for.Following him, you couldn't help but become greedier, unwilling to see him leave. Desperate, you wouldn't find anyone better than him."But Minako Ioli also got what she deserved."As the person directly involved, Eranthe was even less likely to sympathize with Minako Ioli's plight. If it weren't for Colin's immense influence, she might have met her demise early. Despite being women themselves, Eranthe couldn't condone Minako Ioli's actions."People always talk about Colin's strong tactics, and I used to think it was just media exaggeration. But seeing it firsthand today, I realize he doesn't hesitate to take action," Eranthe remarked.She wasn't afraid of Ioli Group's desperate measures; Colin had proven he had the absolute power to suppress them.
In fact, Eranthe also took a discreet look at Zerlinda. Upon closer inspection, Colin didn't resemble Zerlinda much. She carried an aura of shrewdness and elegance nurtured by all the riches and honors of the world.Colin, on the other hand, seemed young and enigmatic, with a sense of detachment from worldly affairs embedded in his facial features.Not knowing how to respond and fearing an awkward silence, Eranthe said, "I don't know how much you know about him, but he's truly an outstanding leader. Being around him, you can learn a lot."Zerlinda smiled faintly, listening attentively to Eranthe's words. "This is an outsider's perspective. Miss Taylor and he have an unusual relationship. I'd like to hear your thoughts on my son from a mother's perspective."After all, Zerlinda knew Colin was outstanding, even though she and his father were rarely involved in it.This child was not born under blessings. She even went back to her parents' home direct
"Did she give you a hard time?" Oriel asked."Not at all, actually. Honestly, after getting used to Dylan's mom's attitude, meeting Colin's mother was really different.""That's for sure. The Miller family should practice for another 100 years," Oriel said, then added, "Isn't that Colin?" as she noticed Colin getting out of the car and striding towards them.Eranthe glanced over and indeed saw Colin approaching. She frowned, about to ask what was wrong, when Colin walked up and asked directly, "Done talking? What did she say to you?"Eranthe hadn't realized the guards were so efficient in relaying information to Colin while she was chatting with Zerlinda."Not much, just some minor work-related advice, mostly," she replied, even though there was much more said than that.Even Colin himself didn't often bring up the topic of his mother. It was surprising that she hadn't come up more in conversation, considering she was a woman and should have
Eranthe replied, "If I had no conscience, I wouldn't give you medicine to take."Colin turned his head in frustration.Morris arrived promptly upon hearing that Colin was ill, and Eranthe happened to be handing over her shift to him."Follow the instructions on the medicine label for him. I've prepared hot water. Just remember to close the door when you leave," Eranthe said, aware that she had only half an hour for her commute and couldn't linger.Morris nodded repeatedly but then noticed the deathly stare from his boss."Miss Taylor.""Yes?""Today, I also need to take a day off with Mr. Rodriguez. Could you please take care of him?""Today's schedule is packed for me. I can't look after him," Eranthe replied, well aware of Morris's tactics. His loyalty was clearly with Colin.Morris was quick on his feet. "Miss Taylor, my mom is coming to Assyria City today. I was planning to take the afternoon off anyway. Mr. Rodrigue
Colin raised an eyebrow in disappointment, then spread out the sheets and lay down with the cat.But clearly, he couldn't sleep. The scent of the woman still lingered in the air, constantly tempting him and making him feel uncomfortably hot.He decided to take off his shirt, his long legs hanging off the sofa because it was too small for him to stretch out fully.Every time he closed his eyes, he pictured her exceptionally enchanting appearance.Inside the house, Eranthe tossed and turned, feeling like her territory had been invaded. She regretted not ignoring him.Why was this so troublesome? If only she had ignored him, she would have fallen asleep by now.After lying in bed for half an hour without feeling drowsy, she scratched her head, feeling the need to use the bathroom. But the bathroom was outside the room...What if that dog suddenly pounced on her?If he dared, she would punch him.Eranthe silently vowed, lift
Eranthe: ...She really wanted to smash this guy with the water bottle."Go home!"If she kept listening to him, she might start feeling a little soft-hearted.Colin smiled subtly and followed her casually, like a large dog.On the way home, Eranthe repeated multiple times not to take advantage of any opportunity to enter her home.Colin agreed readily, and when it came time to open the door, she insisted on watching him enter before she unlocked it, like she was guarding against a thief.Colin asked, "Are you really sure you don't need me to escort you home?""Mr. Rodriguez, I'm already home.""What if someone unwelcome shows up at your place?"Eranthe laughed, "Then I'll call the police. It's scarier letting you in. Maybe you should worry more about whether there's a headless ghost under your bed at night, or someone staring at you from outside your window."After saying this, Eranthe watched with satisfa
"..." Eranthe concluded that communicating with him was indeed asking for trouble.Eranthe opened the door to leave, and Colin followed.Eranthe cursed inwardly. She had let her guard down. It seemed Colin had taken advantage of the moment to change his clothes, and now he was accompanying her to eat."Mr. Rodriguez, someone of your stature shouldn't be playing the role of a tracker," Eranthe remarked."No, of course not," Colin assured her."Let's hope you stick to that," Eranthe responded skeptically."Agreed."The two entered the elevator. "Where are you headed, Mr. Rodriguez?""Depends on my mood.""..." What a watertight answer! Depending on his mood meant wherever she was going, he would follow!The elevator quickly arrived, and as luck would have it, they encountered the elderly lady downstairs again."Oh dear, finished your meal, young couple? Going out for a stroll?"Eranthe smiled awkwardly
Wasn't he just trying to make her insist he stay?"Forget it, sit down and eat. It's like I'm bullying you," she muttered.Colin moved closer. "Miss Taylor, are you inviting me?"He glanced at his watch. "During my working hours, I'm not allowed to eat with clients, but if a client requests it, I can provide additional services.""What additional services? Dishwashing?""A deep kiss.""Eh?" Eranthe gave him a deadpan smile. "You're fired.""My employer isn't Miss Taylor, so you don't have the authority for that, but you can complain.""And the solution to complaints—is it also a kiss?"Colin remained serious, adopting an austere expression. "Miss Taylor, I'm here for part-time work, not to sell myself."Eranthe couldn't stomach her meal after that.“Colin, are you even serious? Should I start a fundraiser to buy you a mirror?” Eranthe retorted, still seething.This guy had the audac
Then, as if in disbelief, the doorbell rang."I'm sorry, Miss Taylor, it seems the nutritionist has arrived. We've already paid, so it would be awkward to send him away."Eranthe: ...Why did you even schedule this?!It's just stirring up trouble for no reason!She didn't want to take it out on innocent people, so she hung up the phone and went to open the door, expecting to see a lady but finding a tall man at the door instead.Eranthe burst out laughing, "Mr. Rodriguez.""When did you start moonlighting as a nutritionist?" Eranthe crossed her arms, eager to hear what else he could come up with.Colin raised an eyebrow, "Just bored after work, making some extra cash."He gestured to come inside, leaving Eranthe speechless. She was also worried about leaving the door open and the cat suddenly darting out.Once Colin successfully entered, it was just like before—efficiently grabbing onions, ginger, and garlic
Most likely, Colin was just there as a witness the whole time.Eranthe adjusted her position, leaning closer to the car window, and closed her eyes again.When she woke up once more, it was to the sound of honking outside the window.She suddenly looked as night fell, turning her head abruptly to meet the man's dark gaze.She jumped slightly, and Colin said casually, "Awake?"Eranthe checked the time and realized it was already 7:40. She must have slept quite a while in the car. "Why didn't you wake me?" she asked.She opened the car door. "Thank you for driving me back."As she picked up her bag to head home, she noticed Colin was also getting out of the car.Eranthe halted her steps. "Are you planning to come to my house?"Colin admitted nonchalantly, "Yes."Eranthe was incredulous. "Mr. Rodriguez, don't play dumb. Wasn't I clear enough?"Colin replied, "Shouldn't a pursuer safely escort you to the doorst
Alexis wasn't under Mr. Hill Vice President Hill's jurisdiction, so he didn't react much either.After the meeting dispersed, Eranthe clearly noticed several leaders looking displeased.Just as Mr. Hill Vice President Hill was giving Eranthe instructions about which projects to prioritize next, Eranthe was taking notes with her pen when she saw the hotel manager rushing over to a group of leaders."What's going on?" Eranthe watched as the leaders headed towards the coffee shop, and shortly after, police cars arrived.It seemed they were trying to contain the situation and were ordered to return to the city promptly.Eranthe had already checked out and didn't want to get involved in others' affairs. She hoped to catch a ride with Mr. Hill Vice President Hill, but then she saw him being called away as well."Forget about it, let's all go back," Eranthe muttered to herself as she turned around, but then Colin's phone call came through.S
"Okay, if you really end up with Eranthe, I'll learn from you.""Does Oriel really want to be with you? Just flattering yourself," Colin, in a bad mood, retorted sharply.Frank sighed, "Ah, men without a sex life are truly terrifying."Colin ignored him.From behind the water feature, voices could be heard.Although not loud, with few guests around, the conversation was clear."That woman is really pretty, almost like those female celebrities on TV.""Were you trained with her before? Do you know what she's like? Is she easy to get? With looks like hers, she must have plenty of suitors.""I heard she has some connection with that Miller family whose son, Eric Miller, dated her for a few months. They've probably split up now, and there are quite a few guys chasing her in the company.""I think with a woman like her, you could win her over with a bit of money. Just a few dates and you could sleep with her.""Alexis,