C95 I'm Afraid of Death!

Charlotte Lau was silently anticipating Westley Lin's reaction.

Whether Westley was upset or decided to walk away, she was prepared for either outcome.

Yet, what she found odd was that Westley showed no reaction whatsoever. Instead, he casually picked up a pastry and popped it into his mouth, savoring it with care.

Charlotte's mind was flooded with question marks, and she increasingly felt that she couldn't quite figure this man out.

His thinking, his behavior, and even the leaps in his logic were unconventional.

Such people were often geniuses.

And geniuses were exactly the kind of people Charlotte preferred to avoid.

She didn't like the sensation of not being in control.

After finishing the pastry, Westley dusted off his hands and leaned back, asking, "What were you saying?"

Charlotte nearly wanted to throttle him on the spot!

"Just kidding!"

Westley raised his hand, still smiling, "Is there something about me that you can exploit?"

"Absolutely, your status as a Half-step Grandmaster." Charlotte said bluntly.

"Actually, I'm not a Half-step Grandmaster. You're giving me too much credit," Westley replied, shaking his head.

His cultivation method differed from that of the martial artists in this world, so he didn't categorize his strength in the same way.

"Rashawn has already filled me in on your true capabilities. I trust his judgment," Charlotte said, resting her chin in her hand.

Westley gave a wry smile and shook his head.

That's just how the world works. When you tell the truth, people might not believe you. But tell a lie, and suddenly it's taken as gospel.

She was practically pushing him into the role of a cad!

"Fine, being of use to you is an honor," Westley conceded.

"Oh? You're not bothered by it?" Charlotte asked, her smile tinged with curiosity.

"What's there to be bothered about? If I were worthless, you wouldn't be able to use me at all," Westley pointed out.

Charlotte paused, taken aback.

Conversations with Westley always had a way of challenging her perspectives.

"So, are you agreeing?" Charlotte ventured.

"I didn't say I agreed."

"Why not?"

"I'm not an idiot. I need to know how you plan to use me first. If it's something unreasonable, then I'll have to see if your offer is worth it," Westley explained, his smile unfading.

"As I thought, you're a sly one," Charlotte said with a resigned laugh.

"You too," Westley said with a gesture of respect.

Charlotte's smile faded as she spoke with conviction, "Truth is, I'm driven by vengeance."

"Oh?" Westley expressed his surprise, "Do you have enemies?"

"Yes, more than one!" Charlotte said through clenched teeth. Her eyes blazed with fury as she raised her voice, "Derrick's death is on their hands! I must avenge him!"

Westley had heard bits and pieces about Charlotte's connection to Derrick, but his knowledge was limited. He was aware, however, that Charlotte was currently managing the enterprise Derrick had left behind. No matter how formidable a woman might be, she inevitably harbored a vulnerable side—she was, after all, only human.

After a moment of reflection, Westley inquired, "What's your plan for revenge?"

"First, I'll break free from their grip. Then, I plan to bring you forward as my pillar of support," Charlotte stated earnestly.

"Choosing me as your pillar? I'm afraid I might not be sturdy enough," Westley said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"Don't worry! Just flaunt your status as a Half-step Grandmaster to keep them at bay. They're a sly bunch; without showing my hand, they're likely to make their move," Charlotte explained calmly.

"And after that?" Westley pressed.

"Once I ascend to the pinnacle of Lindzac City, I'll settle the scores with each of them," Charlotte declared, her gaze steely with determination. That was her ultimate aim—to sustain her relentless pursuit of vengeance. She was determined to ensure that those who had driven Derrick to his tragic end would themselves meet an unenviable fate.

Westley couldn't help but muse on the intensity of her vengeful spirit, which rivaled that of any man.

"Your plan seems solid," Westley commented with a smile.

"Rest assured, I'll make it worth your while. I'll shower you with wealth and assets beyond measure, enough to make you one of the most influential figures in Lindzac City," Charlotte assured him.

"I'm not particularly interested," Westley replied, shaking his head.

"You're not interested in money, so how about power? I can help you start a career in politics. With my network and experience, it wouldn't be difficult," Charlotte continued.

"I'm not interested in that either," Westley shook his head once more.

Charlotte's brow furrowed in confusion. It was rare to find a man who wasn't drawn to money or power. What then, did he truly desire?

With a sigh in her heart, Charlotte offered, "If it's not too much for you, I'm willing to be completely yours. From now on, you'd be my master. I will obey you without question and never renege on my promise."

Charlotte was ready to risk it all for the chance to avenge Derrick. Westley's gaze roamed over her unabashedly, his eyes revealing everything without pretense.

Feeling exposed under his intense scrutiny, Charlotte bit her lip but courageously met his eyes.

After a long moment, Westley finally looked away, almost regretfully. "That does sound alluring," he admitted.

A sense of relief washed over Charlotte, yet it was tinged with sadness. Perhaps this was her fate.

"But I don't accept," Westley said, shaking his head firmly.

Charlotte was taken aback by his resolute refusal. "Why?" she blurted out.

"If you're using me as a human shield, it means your enemies are formidable. They might even include Half-Step Grandmasters, right?" Westley asked with a knowing smile.

Charlotte's face turned pale, her lips quivering.

"So, if I were truly in danger, if I were to be ambushed or faced with a life-threatening situation, you'd abandon me, wouldn't you?" Westley pressed on.

Charlotte's expression darkened further.

Damn it! Could he predict the future? He had guessed it all!

"I may be straightforward, but I'm no fool. Accepting the affection of a beautiful woman like you is more than I'm willing to handle," Westley said with a playful grin.

He rose to his feet, gave a casual bow, and said, "I'm sorry, Boss Powell. Farewell."

With those final words, he turned and made his way to the door, leaving for good.

Charlotte's eyes were tinged with red, yet she felt utterly powerless.

All her cunning plots and charms appeared to be utterly ineffective against Westley.

Westley walked on, then abruptly halted and looked back. "Do you know the biggest reason why I turned you down?" he asked.

"What is it?" Charlotte inquired instinctively.

"Because I'm afraid of dying!"