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.”

in the café for a bit longer, thinking over the strange encounter before heading out myself. That evening, I decided to take my time before heading

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< Chapter 97

at her place.

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a few

rain was about to fall. A cold breeze

I instinctively hunched my shoulders. That’s when

quickly glanced around but saw nothing out

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

near darkness. I felt my heart race as I

the second floor, I heard it–the

froze for a moment, my scalp tingling with fear.

my bag tightly, holding my car key between my fingers like a weapon.

me a burst of courage, and I stopped abruptly.

behind me

in a shaky voice, “Who’s there?”

was no response. The silence was deafening.

calm and shouted louder,

a voice echoed back,

voice was familiar, and a

date from

it. We’d only met once, and now he was following me? My

could barely make out his outline. He wasn’t close enough for me to see his face

the courage to ask,

make sure you got home

laughed at the absurdity of his

out of my wits, and he thought that made

wouldn’t help either. I needed to stay calm until

evenly. “But I’m home

“I’m a bit thirsty. Could I have some water?”

15:27

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< Chapter 97

and it made his intentions clear.

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

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going to date me, so what’s

sent chills

I warned, my