C7 You Made Me Feel Disgusted

Upon hearing those words, Hilda's complexion turned ghostly white, her thoughts immediately turning to her mother in the sanatorium. Her mother's battle with motor neuron disease had caused her limbs to atrophy, leaving her almost entirely paralyzed except for her right hand. The cost of treatment was exorbitant, with little to no hope for a cure. If not for Hilda's desperate pleas and compliance, and Ken's concern for his image as the mayor, her mother's treatment might have already been discontinued.

The thought of Ken's command—that she must be with Kimball—or the consequences her mother might face if she failed, was too terrifying to contemplate.

In the harsh light of reality, her pride and dignity crumbled.

Hilda had no choice but to suppress her emotions, forcing a smile that looked more pained than any tears could express. "I accept the deal," she said.

Kimball, however, felt no joy at her acquiescence. Instead, a surge of anger and contempt washed over him. "Where's that determination you just showed? Hilda, to be honest, you're making me sick. I don't even want to discuss this deal with you anymore. Unless..."

"Unless what?" Hilda pressed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Unless you kneel down, admit you're worthless, and beg me to sleep with you," Kimball said, his chin tilting up in scorn, his gaze full of contempt as if he were an emperor looking down on a groveling subject.

The humiliation was almost too much for Hilda to bear, her lower lip quivering as if she might draw blood from the pressure. She wanted nothing more than to leap from the car and escape. The weight of the atmosphere was suffocating, and though she tried to speak, the words wouldn't come.

"My patience is wearing thin," Kimball warned.

Even the driver couldn't resist glancing back at them through the rearview mirror. Shaking, Hilda finally bit down hard on her resolve and knelt at Kimball's feet, her back arching in submission as she murmured, "I beg you, I... I beg you..."

Overwhelmed by humiliation, defiance, and a wish for oblivion, Hilda was on the brink of collapse, unable to utter the humiliating words, only able to repeat her pleas.

Tears, scalding and unchecked, slid from her eyes, soaking into the car's plush carpet. With her head bowed, Hilda wept silently, desperate to hide her tears from the world.

Hilda knelt before him, her back straight, creating an alluring silhouette. The sunlight streaming through the window bathed her in a soft, ethereal glow.

Yet, Kimball's heart was filled with anger and disgust. A woman who would do anything for money, devoid of dignity and spine, was unworthy of his compassion.

This wasn't right.

She shouldn't be like this.

Had he misjudged her?

Kimball slowly extended his hand and gently lifted Hilda's chin with his index finger. "As you wish."

Hilda fought back her tears, refusing to let another drop fall in front of Kimball. Despite the desolation in her heart, she managed to conjure a seductive smile. "Alright."

"I appreciate women who are compliant. You'll have a year with me, until I grow bored. You won't receive any formal recognition, but you'll get the money you desire, and I'll find a way to help with your mother's situation."

"The marriage contract with the James family..."

"You can tell the James family whatever you like. I don't want to be bothered by them again." With that, Kimball released her chin and tossed the check back to Hilda. "Keep it."

Hilda collected the money with composure and then silently took a seat next to Kimball, her nerves still unsettled.

Fortunately, Kimball no longer seemed interested in engaging with her. He closed his eyes and reclined, seeking solace in rest. The memories from five years ago played vividly in his mind, but the face of the person from back then remained elusive. All he could recall was a resolute figure and a moment in the bathroom.