Chapter 4 Repayment
- Hayley felt like she was dreaming.
- A few days ago, a man who seemed as handsome and untouchable as a god approached her in her women's boutique.
- He was holding the luxury men's watch she had just sold, asking her if it had always been in her possession.
- Suppressing the guilt that flooded her, she nodded.
- It wasn't hers at all. Five years ago, a server from the Abyss Club contacted her, saying they found a watch in the room she had booked and asked her to retrieve it.
- She recognized its value, so she took it without hesitation. After that, she left it in the drawer and had forgotten about it.
- As she was tight on money recently, she tried to sell off her jewelry and found it.
- She never expected a buyer would trade an old watch for fifteen thousand.
- She was happy to see the money in her account as it was enough to support her to live a luxurious life for a while.
- She didn't anticipate the god-like man to appear.
- She realized something was wrong when he asked whether she had stayed in Room 808 of Abyss Club five years ago.
- It was the room where she set a trap for Anastasia.
- Her intuition told her to nod and admit to it.
- The turn of events was beyond her expectations.
- It turned out that the handsome and noble man standing before her instead of the host she had arranged had spent a night with Anastasia five years ago.
- Even more surprising, the man was none other than Elliot Presgrave, the heir to the Presgrave Group.
- She was overwhelmed with excitement. She was jealous of Anastasia's good fortune, so she immediately decided to own it. She wanted him to take responsibility and marry her.
- After that, she was taken to a luxurious villa, where everything she enjoyed was top-notch.
- She was enjoying a massage and giddy with happiness when she called him.
- "I'm busy. I'll visit you after I'm done," he replied in a low voice.
- "I'll hold you to that!" she coquettishly drawled.
- "Of course." He patiently replied.
- At Presgrave Residence, Harriet was sipping her tea on the sofa as she listened to her subordinates' reports. She raised her head in surprise. "What? Anastasia has a child already? Is she married?"
- "According to our investigation, the biological father is absent in their life. The child is probably born out of wedlock."
- "What a poor child she is to become a single mom at such a young age." She sighed. The face of the female police officer who was stabbed to death by the criminals appeared in her mind and filled her heart with guilt.
- Just then, a tall figure walked into the living room, marking Elliot's return.
- "Elliot, come here," she beckoned.
- He sat down beside her. "Grandma, I heard you're looking for me."
- "Elliot, remember Officer Chapman, who saved you from the kidnappers? She has a daughter named Anastasia Tillman. I just found out that Miss Tillman is a single mother who had a child out of wedlock. I hope you marry her and take care of them."
- His expression stiffened, and a frown appeared between his brows.
- He was the heir of the Presgrave Group. He had taken over the family business five years ago and brought its market value to soar, instantly ranking at the top in the world.
- A specific night five years ago was the only taint in his life. When he realized something was wrong after someone drugged his drink, he escaped into a private room. At the peak of the drug's effect, a woman appeared timely and solved his dilemma.
- He felt guilty for taking her virginity without her consent.
- He had been looking for her to make amends, and he had sworn to marry her.
- A few days ago, he finally found Hayley, who possessed the watch. He hadn't mentioned it to Harriet, much less expected her to ask him to marry another woman.
- "Grandma, I don't have to marry the daughter. We can find other ways to repay and compensate her," he stated calmly, hoping to find a common ground.
- Harriet looked over and denied his proposal. "No, you must marry Anastasia. She's the only granddaughter-in-law I would acknowledge."
- His brows furrowed even tighter. Marrying a woman whom he had no feelings for would benefit neither of them. However, Harriet was determined to repay Anastasia, leaving him no room to refuse.
- "Officer Chapman was stabbed several times to protect you. The scene was horrifying, with blood splattering everywhere…" She recounted sorrowfully. Then, she suddenly looked up at him, her tone now firm. "Taking care of Anastasia only in this lifetime isn't enough to repay Officer Chapman. We can never clear what we owe the family…"
- He fell silent. After overcoming his inner struggle, he spoke up. "Fine. I'll marry Anastasia."
- Harriet's expression softened at his compliance. She nodded contentedly. "Good. Buy out the company where Anastasia works right now. Make sure you pursue her properly."
- He reluctantly agreed, "As you wish, Grandma."
- After she left, he reclined against the sofa, massaging the bridge of his nose wearily.
- He decided to meet Anastasia to find out her opinion of the marriage.
- …
- In an apartment unit, Anastasia smiled at her sleeping son.
- Bourgeois prepared the unit for her.
- She was exhausted after a long journey, but she couldn't sleep.
- What happened five years ago still weighed heavily on her mind. Her best friend's betrayal, her step-sister's wickedness, and her father's rejection still hurt her.
- She didn't know how she had made it through the past five years.
- She had to raise her son alone, study design, and gradually become the chief designer. Aside from working harder than anyone else, she thanked fate for siding with her to help her come this far. Now, she was an independent woman with savings, a lovely son, and a career.
- She couldn't help but wonder how her father was doing.
- She picked up her phone but hesitated as her finger hovered over her father's number.
- Forget it. She sighed.