C10 Contract!

"Prince Charming?" The phrase sparked a surge of anger in Leslie's heart.

His arm, numbed from being used as Evelyn's pillow all night, was devoid of sensation.

Struggling to sit up, he gazed at her petite silhouette. "Go ahead, search for him. Our relationship is public knowledge now. If anyone is accused of playing the field, it'll be you."

Darkness enveloped the room, yet his voice cut through the blackness like a precision blade, striking Evelyn's heart.

She had mentioned Prince Charming offhandedly. The thought of actually seeking him out was absurd—his coldness was enough to send shivers down her spine.

"It was just a figure of speech, not an actual plan," she mumbled, making her way to the bathroom.

Confronted with her reflection, she splashed her face with cold water. That's when she noticed—she was wearing his oversized shirt, which hung loosely to her thighs, and she hadn't put on a bra.

"Damn it..." she cursed under her breath.

Had she been completely exposed?

A flush crept over her cheeks, the embarrassment overwhelming.

She lost track of time in the bathroom until a knock came from outside. "Evelyn?"

"Uh-huh..." She called back, hastily straightening her clothes before opening the door.

"What were you doing?" As the light flicked on, Leslie's expression was icy.

"Nothing... I wasn't doing anything," she stammered, sidestepping him with a flutter of panic.

He wheeled himself closer and seized her wrist.

She winced and stumbled into his embrace.

He imprisoned her in his arms, his gaze bearing down on her from above, his dark eyes unfathomable. "Do you like him that much?"

His voice was cold and detached, edged with frost.

"I did," she admitted, knowing full well that Leslie's reference to 'him' was Prince Charming, and her response was nothing but the truth.

"I have no patience for fickleness," he stated, his lips barely moving, his command devilishly compelling.

"Oh," she responded quietly, acknowledging his point.

After all, who doesn't appreciate undivided attention?

Later that night, they lay side by side in bed, bodies rigid, a chasm of silence between them.

A question began to rise in Evelyn's heart.

Was the reason the older man hadn't touched her because there was a problem in that department?

Or was it that he genuinely didn't want to take advantage of someone in a vulnerable state?

...

The following morning.

Evelyn awoke to find Leslie had already left.

Downstairs.

Dan, the butler, had prepared an exquisite breakfast for her.

Upon her arrival, he warmly welcomed her, "Miss Solis, you're up."

He pulled out a chair and neatly set the tableware, his deference almost unsettling.

Evelyn had never been treated with such courtesy.

She was taken aback, but managed to nod in appreciation, "Thank you, Uncle."

Dan paused, visibly surprised.

He had encountered many sycophants, but never before a girl as well-mannered as Evelyn.

She felt uneasy eating alone with someone attending to her.

Thus, she looked up and suggested, "Uncle, please join me. Let's eat together."

Dan declined and, noticing her discomfort, eventually excused himself from the hall.

After the meal, a maid cleared away the dishes.

Dan then approached Evelyn, documents in hand.

She was lost in thought, curious about Leslie's true identity.

"Miss Solis, this is the marriage agreement. The young master has already signed," he informed her.

She accepted the papers, her mind a whirl.

Was she really going to sign?

"Miss Solis, consider yourself fortunate. The young master never brings women home to stay the night," Dan added, seeing her hesitate.