Pampered By The Ruthless Underground Boss

Chapter 160

Chapter 160:

When they agreed to be together, both Khloe and Henrik had made it clear that their relationship was purely for mutual gain. He needed a wife to secure a patent, and she needed a husband for protection, which was what brought them together. But now, his attention and care left Khloe feeling flattered yet confused.

Why would someone like him be so genuinely kind to her without any strings attached?

Her experiences over the past three years had made it hard for her to fully trust anyone again. She had too much chaos in her own life that she didn’t want to drag anyone into, nor did she want to risk opening her heart again, only to get hurt.

Khloe decided it was best to clarify things now to keep Henrik from showering her with unnecessary affection. She trusted Henrik would understand where she was coming from.

At her words, Henrik looked up, his handsome face partly shadowed. His presence filled the room, intense and slow, as if it were taking over the space.

Khloe met his gaze in silence.

dropping just a little,

gaze was powerful, almost

I genuinely wanted to protect you, no one in Zhecrora would dare speak against you. I wouldn’t

close that Khloe could feel his

her gaze drifting

overwhelming. A rare smile appeared on his face. His fingers gently brushed her cheek, and his voice dropped to a low, soothing tone. “Are you scared?

you scared of feeling something for me?” Henrik kept this

stories at

her fluttering lashes betrayed her struggle

her or

his hand. On the other hand, Khloe bore a reputation she wasn’t proud of—a past that weighed heavily on her. Her sharp mind, decisiveness, and cunning had once caught Henrik’s eye, earning his support. But she feared it was nothing more than a passing infatuation. Once his interest faded,

ago had shattered her once-glorious status. She was tired, reluctant to trust anyone again, and had learned to rely solely on

said, “I’m not

upward, his gaze softening with a faint smile as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. His voice took on a teasing, almost playful edge as he whispered, “Khloe, you’re bold, but I get the situation. Honestly, you’re overthinking this. My kindness and our closeness are just to throw off the elder in my family. Without some real feeling between us, we might expose our agreement. Relax. When the time comes, you’ll need to put in more effort for the show. Only then will it be