Chapter 41
Chapter 41. Rely on Each Other
Isabela's lips pressed tightly. Her nose flared to compensate for the shortness of her breath. "You really prefer her?"
"Of course."
The model's cynical laughter erupted again. "Okay, don't blame me if something bad happens to you two. I've reminded you. But if you want to change, there's still time left, Hubby. Think wisely. Don't let this cunning woman brainwash you."
After taking a deep breath, Isabela put a sly smile on her face. "Vidi ...."
A man wearing a bowler hat stepped in.
"Hand over all the money in your wallet." Isabela raised her hands. A moment later, a wad of money landed in her grasp.
"Thank you for entertaining my fiance in my absence. Now that I'm back, you should come to your senses. Here ... accept your payment and stay away from him."
Isabela threw money in Kara's face. The poor girl could only gasp. Her eyes shook as she watched the top model leave. Everything still felt like a nightmare to her.Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.
"Since she has gone, shall we celebrate it? I think this is our first day." Frank teased Kara with a crooked smile.
Kara blinked. With gloomy face, she turned to Frank. "Are you happy? Are you satisfied that you plunged me into the abyss?"
Frank put his hands in his pockets and shook his head. "I'm not trapping you, but saving you. More precisely, we can both rely on each other."
"You kill me ..." Kara concluded softly. She was really tired. The threat was bigger now.
Previously, she intended to prove that she could disappear and not interfere in Frank's life again. Rowan might have let her off the hook or even supported her leaving.
But now, it was impossible for the old man to give her any ease. Kara was considered an enemy who must be destroyed immediately.
"Okay, let's make it clear. We can use each other. I can protect you, and you ..." Frank suddenly leaned closer to Kara's ear. "You can help me escape from the arranged marriage. Pretend to be my lover."
"You're out of your mind, hmm? Your fiancée is so perfect. No one will believe that you can turn your back on her. Your plan won't work and I don't want to be a victim."
Frank stepped lightly towards his desk. "You don't need to be afraid. I won't go back on my word. We can arrange it in the contract." He pulled out a piece of paper and started writing.
"What contract?" Kara shook her head, not understanding.
"The agreement between the two of us. You have to help me convince people that our love is unbreakable. Once we succeed in gaining public sympathy, canceling my engagement with Isabela won't be a big problem."
Kara was about to argue, but Frank already continued. "In return, I will protect you and your family. You love your mother very much, right? If you agree to this contract, I will not let my grandfather disturb her."
Kara was silent. She realized she couldn't rely on herself. Rowan was too strong for her. The only way to survive was to rely on Frank.
"Are you sure you can beat your grandfather and his muscular assistant?"
Frank froze his pen and gaze. "Are you afraid of Sean?"
Kara subconsciously touched her elbows. "He has no mercy," she said quietly.
Unexpectedly, Frank gave her a sweet smile. "Don't worry. My tenth guard is stronger than him. You know? Sean is old. His strength has decreased a lot."
Kara's eyes lit up. "You have a secret bodyguard?"
Frank put his hands together on the table. His fingers were locked together. "You should have guessed. I like perfection. Isn't it strange that I have only nine bodyguards?"
Kara started to nod. Her heart was a little relieved. "Is that Jeremy?"
A spontaneous laugh burst out of the CEO's mouth.
Does he look that fierce?"
Kara's shoulder moved up. "I thought he was the head of the guards."
"You've never met the guard, Kara. Let's just hope not. He watches silently and only appears when things are really threatening."
Kara's mouth rounded. Her head nodded. Frank's heart tingled at her behavior. How could she have changed so drastically?
A minute ago, Kara was still as restless as a cat caught stealing fish. Now, she was like a cute and obedient puppy.
"As a bonus, if you agree to this contract, you can take leave until next week."
"Are you serious?" Kara stared again.
"I know your mentality is weak. You definitely need time to recover after what happened." After a moment of silence, Frank leaned back in his chair and whispered, "So how? Do you agree or not?"
Kara fell into contemplation again. If she chose to run away, she would have no money or protection. However, if she chose to stay, her welfare and safety were more guaranteed. She just needed to make sure Frank didn't meet the twins.
"That's fair enough. Then what about your money in my account?" Kara sighed then.
"I told you, that's your three years' salary. Therefore, work properly. Obey all the rules and remember ...."
Frank held up his pen. "While working with me, you must keep your distance from other men. You must not flirt with them, let alone go out together, including eating together."
Kara's expression crumpled again as she heard the prohibition. Before Frank put the last point into the letter, she grabbed the pen and signed the paper.
"You have no right to control my personal life. Our agreement is sufficient when it comes to work."
"But you have to act as my lover. How can you win the public's sympathy if you act flirtatious?"
Kara grimaced. "I disagree. What I think is that I have to maintain my image as a good and perfect secretary. I have to appear as a woman who is difficult for you to get so that you are willing to leave a top model."
Frank was secretly amazed at Kara's confidence. "Didn't you say three minutes ago that Isabela was too perfect for you to beat? No one would believe that you could win my heart?"
Kara blinked, but her expression didn't change. "That was before I signed the contract. Now, since the situation demands it, I have to be able to."
"Good," Frank sighed before turning towards the door which was still wide open. "Jeremy, get the box in the pantry."
Kara raised an eyebrow. She wondered what else the CEO was planning. As Jeremy came in and handed her the box, she couldn't hold back her questions any longer. "What's this?"
"A gift from a client. Since I don't like chocolate, I'd better make it a gift for our special day."
Jeremy secretly smiled, while Kara frowned. "Please stop saying that."
"You'll have to get used to it, Kara. Now go home and rest. Don't let me change my mind."
After one breath, Kara straightened up her back. Her enthusiasm reached its peak again.
"Okay. Thank you, Young Master Harper. I'll be back again Monday. I hope our cooperation can run smoothly."
A second later, Kara walked out without looking back. Jeremy watched her back with an amazed look.
"Why weren't you just be honest, Sir? Kara would be touched if she knew you bought the chocolate especially for her."
"You can still tease me in a critical situation like this?"
Hearing that serious tone, Jeremy turned his head. Frank's expression had turned stiff. "Sorry, Sir."
"My grandfather couldn't possibly remain silent after Isabela's report earlier. From this moment on, keep an eye on Kara. Don't let my grandfather's men approach her."