More Than A Favor

Chapter 97

Gers*

“There haven’t been many,” the man said, referring to his “clients.” “Mainly because dating is about finding a like–minded partner.”

I almost laughed.

Like–minded?

He clearly just wanted to find someone who could contribute to his profits.

People often said jobs were hard to find these days, but if you used your brain, there were plenty of ways to make money with minimal investment. Clearly, he had cracked the code.

“So, miss,” he asked again, “have you decided whether to rent me as your boyfriend or to try dating me

for real?”

I pressed my lips together, keeping silent. He sipped his coffee elegantly, as if he had all the time in the world.

“A smart woman would choose to date me,” he continued, his tone confident. “That way, you don’t have to pay, and if it doesn’t work out, you can simply break up.”

“And wouldn’t you lose out if everyone thought that way?” I stirred my coffee absentmindedly.

“Not everyone gets this chance,” he replied smoothly. “I have standards too. I choose my clients based on their conditions.”

Ah, I understood now. He was interested in me because he thought I met his “standards.” This wasn’t just business–it was a cost–free trial for him.

“Do you offer any VIP discounts for the services you mentioned?” I asked, amused. His prices weren’t exactly modest.

Holding hands alone would cost me quite a bit. If I rented him to go to the Mercer estate, I’d have to act affectionate in front of Logan.

“No,” he said flatly. “No bargaining.”

I nodded. “I understand your terms. I’ll need some time to think it over. In the meantime, feel free to accept other offers. If someone else suits you better, don’t hesitate to decline mine.”

As I said this, it dawned on me that this wasn’t a date. It was a business negotiation.

He looked at me seriously. “I genuinely want to work with you.”

“Your conditions meet my needs too, but I’d like to see a few more candidates before making a decision,” I said, adopting the tone of an experienced negotiator.

“Alright,” he said with a small smile. “I’ll wait for your good news.”

He raised his hand to call the waiter over. “The bill, please, including this lady’s,” he said politely.

I shook my head. “No need. We can split it.”

lingered in the café for a bit longer, thinking over the strange encounter before

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< Chapter 97

crash at

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market, picked up a few quirky trinkets, and finally made my

breeze sent a chill down

That’s when I

quickly glanced around but saw nothing out

told myself. Still, the unease quickened my steps as I hurried into the building and up

lights were out, casting the space into near darkness. I felt my heart race as I

I reached the second floor, I heard it–the

with fear. The footsteps were slow, deliberate,

my car key between my fingers like a weapon. If someone tried to

a burst of

footsteps behind me stopped as well.

in a shaky voice,

response. The silence was deafening.

stay calm and shouted louder,

a voice echoed back, “It’s me.”

familiar, and a figure stepped

an explanation, “Your blind date from the café this evening.”

now

make out his outline. He wasn’t close enough for me to see his face clearly, but his presence

the courage to ask, “Why

wanted to make sure you got home safely. It’s not safe for a woman to

at the absurdity of his words.

my wits, and he thought that made me

to believe him. But provoking him now wouldn’t help either. I needed to

I said evenly. “But

leaving, he stepped closer. “I’m a bit thirsty. Could I

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< Chapter 97

was pathetic, and it

tighter, I refused firmly. “It’s too late. This isn’t

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he said, stepping even closer. “You’re going to date

tone sent chills

warned, my voice trembling