Chapter 3 A Fair Trade

• "I'm going to take a bath." Zachary cast her a sidelong glance, his tone full of disdain.
• Blair pursed her lips, a trace of unease shadowing her expression.
• "Of course, I know you're going to take a bath. I mean, why are you showering here? Since this is an act, shouldn't we be sleeping in separate rooms?"
• He looked at her as if she were an idiot. "Hey, do you understand what acting is? Sleeping in separate rooms? Do you think people will not know about it?"
• Blair was on the verge of tears. "But you didn't say we had to sleep together!"
• She never would have agreed if she had known this.
• "Now you know." Zachary glanced at her indifferently, continuing to strip his clothes away.
• Blair was startled. She was haunted by her experience on the plane, which left her with an instinctive aversion to men.
• "Let's break the deal. I don't want to cooperate with you anymore."
• Her hand barely touched the door handle when he grabbed her arm.
• She stumbled backward with a slight force from the man, and he instinctively caught her.
• Her slender waist fit perfectly in his grasp, and as she fell, his hand slid beneath her clothes, feeling the smooth skin that was as soft as a newborn's, tempting him to caress it.
• She angrily pushed the man away. "You're a liar."
• We agreed just to act, no touching. What's with the hugging and groping? I'm done with this.
• Just then, there was a knock on the door.
• "You have to shut up. If you dare say anything in front of Grandma, you'll never leave Acorith."
• Blair covered her mouth in fear and blinked at the man. Fine, you're the boss. Now hurry up and open the door.
• Susan stood at the door, smiling. "Zachary, am I interrupting you two?"
• "No. Is there something I can help you with?"
• "I had Miss Cox make some stew for you. Drink it while it's hot."
• Miss Cox handed over the stew. Zachary lifted the lid and realized it was a nourishing stew!
• "Grandma?" His face turned cold.
• "Stop fussing and drink it. I'm eager to have a great-grandchild." Susan's desire was obvious.
• Zachary felt a twinge of helplessness. He had been doted on by Susan since he was young. He probably wouldn't have survived until now if it weren't for her. He always listened to her words. Otherwise, he wouldn't have married Blair.
• After finishing the stew and sending off her, he turned to find Blair staring at him.
• "I've been thinking, we should sign an agreement." She handed him a sheet filled with writing.
• He took a look. The paper read, 'Rules and terms for contractual marriage!'
• Blair pointed to the two blank spaces on the paper. "We'll divorce three months later. Please fill in the date and amount in the blank spaces."
• Zachary took the pen and signed without a word. "As you wish."
• She took the paper and checked. "100 thousand per month? That's too little."
• His eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a hint of danger. Does she find the money given too little?
• Blair stepped back in fear and hurriedly said, "I know you married me because of Grandma. I promise to make sure she never suspects a thing and stays happy. How about that?"
• Her attitude sparked a flicker of disgust in him. "That's all you're worth. You can consider other services if you're so desperate for money."
• The man's cold gaze swept over her, full of contempt.
• "Don't insult me. If you don't want to give me the money, then just forget it. It's a fair trade. Neither of us is above the other."
• Blair grabbed a pillow from the bed and threw it at Zachary.
• He blocked the attack with his arm, feathers scattering everywhere.
• In a fit of anger, he seized her arm, only for her to retaliate with a swift kick.
• Growing more irritated, he pinned her down. "Have you had enough?"
• Seeing her flushed face and catching a faint, familiar scent, Zachary shamefully felt a surge of desire.