Chapter 2: Seven Million for a Secret

Hearing my voice, the boy slowly looked up. I finally saw his eyes—deep and bright, long and narrow. Even after seeing a thousand handsome faces, I had to admit: these were the most beautiful eyes I’d ever seen. Blood ran down his face, making him look heartbreakingly fragile.

He met my gaze for a few seconds, then whispered, “If you want to ‘buy’ someone, buy me.”

Wait, what?

I looked at Mr. Lawrence, confused. He laughed. “Yeah, you can buy out their contracts. Pay the fee, he’s yours—bodyguard, muscle, whatever you want.”

Mr. Lawrence didn’t finish, but raised an eyebrow, letting the suggestion hang in the air.

I got the hint, even if I wanted to groan. So that’s the game here. I just didn’t know why he picked me—was it just because he landed at my feet?

I played along, smirking. I leaned down and said, “Kid, I’m a businesswoman—I don’t make bad deals. I can take you, but first, tell me: what can you do for me?”

The boy wiped blood from his mouth, looking innocent but determined. “I can cook, clean, and be your bodyguard.”

I shook my head and let out a little laugh. “I’ve got a housekeeper and three bodyguards. Try again.”

The boy faltered. The hopeful light in his eyes dimmed under my mocking smile. After a while, he struggled to his feet and limped away.

Mr. Lawrence watched the boy’s lonely back, then suggested, “Ms. Ramsey, that kid looks pretty good. If he’s obedient, keeping him around isn’t a bad idea.”

He really did look good. And knowing this old guy, he probably kept five ‘pets’ at his Hamptons place. Fun for him, I guess. Always having to look over your shoulder? No thanks.

I took a sip of whiskey and let out a short laugh. “He does look good, but he doesn’t know anything. I’d have to train him from scratch. What’s the point?”

Mr. Lawrence grinned wickedly. “Exactly—the fun is in teaching them.”

He winked, swirling the ice in his glass like he was sharing a dirty secret. I had to resist the urge to roll my eyes. Some people never leave high school.

The next match was about to start. I’d figured out the game and joined in the betting. While I played with the chips, the boy who’d left came back. The blood on his face was wiped away, and he’d changed into clean sweats, looking tall and straight.

He stopped in front of me, hesitated, and said, “Ma’am, I… I have something to say to you.” He glanced down, then back up, searching my face.

I raised my eyebrows. “Go ahead.”

The boy pressed his lips together, leaned down, and whispered in my ear. As I listened, my smile grew wider and wider. After a moment, he straightened up, his ears turning bright red.

I shot him a meaningful glance, then called over the manager. Pointing at the boy, I said, “Him. I want him. Buyout fee on my card.”

...

Seriously? I didn’t get it. A kid who just turned twenty, and that shameless manager dared ask me for seven million dollars? What a joke. This place was dirtier than it looked.

Mr. Lawrence clearly thought it was ridiculous too. Emboldened by drink, he dropped his usual charm and said bluntly, “You’ve got to be kidding me. That kind of money could get you a couple of B-list celebrities. How can you ask for that?”

The manager forced a smile. “But that’s really his price. Why not look at someone else? That champion is only seven hundred thousand.”

I looked where he pointed and saw the giant grinning at me. Ugh… Not even if you paid me.

Honestly, seven million wasn’t a big deal to me. If it were an investment, I’d sign without a second thought for the chance at huge profits. But for pleasure… sorry, I’m not that desperate, even if the boy’s whisper just now was really tempting.

The star of the show stood silently beside me. Seeing my hesitation, his eyes went glassy. He suddenly whispered, “Ma’am, maybe forget it. I don’t want to make things hard for you.”

That made me feel a little embarrassed. I’d been so bold shouting “buyout fee on my card,” and now I was stuck. But who’d have thought he’d be so expensive? Still, it was my own recklessness. Since the boy gave me an out, I planned to take it. So what if it’s awkward? I don’t come here often anyway. After years in business, I’ve got thick skin.

But just as I was about to speak, a shrill female voice came from behind.

“Oh, isn’t this Ms. Ramsey? What a coincidence.”

I turned, my brows instantly furrowing. Savannah Miller? Why wasn’t she at home getting a facial—what was she doing here?

Though I was annoyed, I quickly adjusted my expression and forced a smile. “So it’s Ms. Miller. Long time no see.”

Savannah strutted over in a white designer dress, pink purse, and flawless makeup, looking like a Barbie doll. But the moment she spoke, her slightly mean tone shattered any socialite charm.

“It has been a long time. If possible, I’d rather never see you again.”

My smile didn’t change. “Then try getting lost early.”

“You—”

Savannah was so angry her eyes nearly popped out. She never could out-argue me, but loved picking fights. I didn’t get her deal.

After a few seconds, she seemed to remember something, muttered, “Not in the mood to chat today,” and turned to the manager. “I heard you’ve got a new guy tonight. Which one is it?”

The manager hesitated, then pointed at the boy beside me. “Uh… you mean him?”

Savannah’s eyes lit up when she saw the boy. “Yes, that’s him! Oh, he’s really cute. How much?”