Filed to story: Sweetheart Do You Still Love Me
“I’m really expensive. Are you sure you can afford it?””Why? Do I have to sell off Winthrop Group just so I can afford you?”
Callum gradually leaned in, asking in a suggestive tone.His close proximity caused her ears to flush bright red.
“So, what if you sell off the company? You might not be able to afford me even if you sell yourself.””Then, tell me, how much do you want?”The gears turning in her head, Elspeth decided to give him an outrageous demand.
“Since you said so, let’s decide on a lucky number.””Oh?”
Callum caressed a strand of her hair, his interest piqued.”How about 7 million per night? Sounds about right to me.”When he heard her request, his expression stiffened.
“You really don’t hold back, huh.”Elspeth thought that would be sufficient to make him back off, but he unexpectedly became even more motivated.”That’s too little. How about 77 million? What do you think?”She rolled her eyes.
“You’re kidding me.”Callum reached out and held her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.
“You started it.”Elspeth’s face instantly flushed red.
“I was just trying to keep you away from me.”The more she thought about it, the angrier she got, and the more aggrieved she felt. He was the one who told her not to provoke him in the first place, so how was it her fault now? Callum, you jerk! None of the men in the Winthrop Family are any good!At that thought, she suddenly felt a calloused finger brushing past her eyes. Surprisingly, Callum was wiping her tears. She didn’t even realize she had been crying, and her tears slowly rolled down from the corners of her eyes.I’ve already cried twice today. How embarrassing.”You can hate me and dislike me, but you can’t stay here and do these things, understand?”Callum had never been so gentle to her after his great change in personality, and if it wasn’t because it was actually happening to her, she would never have dared to dream about it. Elspeth froze in her tracks, at a loss for what she should do to express her feelings.”I have my reasons for being here.”Callum frowned.
“What reasons require you to sacrifice your body like this?””Look, I’m not sacrificing my body. I have my own problems to solve.”
Elspeth glared at him, her tone unkind as she continued,
“But you showing up ruined my plans, and now I have to figure out how to contact that man again.”That man had what she needed, and if Callum hadn’t just messed things up, she would have been able to lure him into the room and threaten him, forcing him to hand over the things she needed. Just her luck!”Tell me. I can help you with anything,”
Callum offered, unexpectedly enthusiastic.Elspeth couldn’t hold herself back from teasing him.
“Why are you a concerned citizen today, Mr. Winthrop? Stop behaving like that. I’m not really used to it.””Alright, enough talking back. Put something on and come with me.”
Callum felt irritated every time he looked at her revealing clothes, so he simply took off his suit and draped it over her body.”Forget it.”
Elspeth shook her head, avoiding the suit jacket that he had handed over as she said,
“I already told you that I have things to do here. I’m not leaving.”Just as the two were at a standstill, a voice suddenly sounded from behind them.
“What are you two doing here?”Calm, gentle, and firm. Those were the feelings Elspeth genuinely felt upon hearing his voice again.
“I didn’t hear you properly earlier, but from what you said, you want one of my girls to leave. That means you’re here to start a fight, aren’t you, Mr. Winthrop?”
Logan stood in front of Elspeth as soon as he finished, shielding her from Callum.Elspeth’s heart skipped a beat as she looked at his back. Although this was Logan’s turf, Callum was not a man to be trifled with either.As she had expected, Callum jutted his chin and asked with a cold expression,
“Is there a problem with me taking my fianc?e back with me?”Hearing that, Logan clapped his hands and laughed heartily.
“That’s hilarious. You’re treating one of my girls as your fianc?e, and you even want to take her back?””I mean what I said.”
Callum’s voice gradually turned icy as he spoke.”Regardless of whether you mean it or not, all the girls here are basically indentured to me. They can’t simply leave without completing their quota.”Logan looked at Elspeth who was next to him and smiled.
“Or perhaps you can ask this lady if she’s willing to leave with you.”Callum’s gaze fell on her.
“Come with me.””I’m not going. I want to stay here.”
Elspeth shook her head and turned him down with a helpless sigh.Isabel was still waiting for her, so how could she disappoint her by giving up halfway?Logan’s eyes immediately darkened.
“See, I didn’t stop her. Miss Lynwood doesn’t want to leave herself.”Instantly, Callum’s anger was set alight again. He stepped forward and grabbed her wrist tightly.
“I said I’ll give you anything you want. Come with me this instant.””Callum, I’ve already made it clear that I’m not coming with you. I have my own matters to tend to,”
Elspeth said bitterly. It would be wonderful if he could really give it to her, but there was only one type of this herb in the world, and it was within Logan’s possession.The matters that she spoke of now were clearly different from before, and she trusted Callum to understand what she was implying.However, as if he were under a spell, his grip tightened around her hand.
“Then, under what conditions will you agree to come with me?”While the two reached yet another stalemate, Logan suddenly thought of a brilliant idea.”Why don’t you reserve her for yourself? Miss Lynwood would be yours, then.”This was clearly the best outcome for him.”I refuse!”
Elspeth protested in displeasure. If he did so, she would be at his mercy for quite some time.Although she wouldn’t have to serve any other customers, it was a huge pain regardless, and she refused to serve Callum.”In that case, I’m out of ideas.”
Logan spread his arms and shrugged.After that, he turned to look at Elspeth.
“Remember to do your job or everything I promised you will be considered void.”These words were clearly a jab at her, and her heart jolted as she said with a nod,
“Right.”After Logan left, Callum stared at her as if he had something to say. However, just as she thought he was about to give her an earful, he suddenly averted his gaze and left without saying another word.As she stared at his retreating back, she suddenly felt a trace of a strange emotion in her heart. Why am I reluctant to see him leave?She frantically shook her head, trying to shake off this strange thought. She no longer had any relationship with him now, and whatever he did was none of her concern, so she didn’t need him to interfere with her actions either. However, she couldn’t determine if Callum had given up on persuading her or if he had other plans. Guess I’ll have to go with the flow for now. But I must never let him cause any more trouble.After getting off work at six in the morning, she was about to return to Arthur’s villa when she met the janitor again. This time, the woman was still sweeping the floor with blank eyes, and when she passed by her, it was as if she didn’t notice. Thinking that this strange woman wasn’t intending to talk to her this time as well, Elspeth prepared to leave when a robotic, lifeless voice suddenly sounded.”You went to work as a hostess, didn’t you?”Her voice carried a strange and complex emotion, as if she felt an overwhelming sense of relief, but also seemed to hold an indignant sense of lament.”Yes, I did. What about it, Madam?”
Although she knew that the woman didn’t like her, Elspeth still replied politely.”You really are embarrassing your mother.”
The woman’s voice suddenly turned sharp and frantic.For reasons unknown to her, Elspeth found herself willingly explaining to her.
“Madam, I have my own reasons for doing this.””Whatever reasons you have, since you’re already working as a hostess, it means that you’ve done something extremely shameful.”It sounded to Elspeth that the woman was telling her off. Is she lecturing me?Elspeth was not quite certain, but it was clearly useless to waste her breath on her. After all, they were just strangers, and her words would not have any effect on her. With that thought, she decided to go back early to avoid making her mother worry.”Madam, I know what I’m doing, so you don’t have to worry about this.”After replying courteously, Elspeth turned around and left.The woman behind her slowly raised her head, revealing a pair of gloomy eyes. If Elspeth were to look closely at that moment, she would notice that those eyes were somewhat familiar….When Elspeth returned to the villa, the others were still in bed as it was still early. Only Arthur had woken up early as usual to begin his exercise.Upon seeing Elspeth returning, caked in makeup and reeking of cigarettes and alcohol from the club, he couldn’t help but frown, and he didn’t hold back as he commented,
“Your getup really is ridiculous.”Even so, he firmly believed that Elspeth would not do anything that went against her morals.Elspeth played with her hair that she had specifically permed to be even curlier and asked with a smile,
“What do you think? Does it look good? I purposely went to the salon for this hairstyle. Apparently, it’s the current trend.””It doesn’t look good. I think your hair looked perfect before.”Elspeth rolled her eyes.
“How tasteless.”Upon saying that, she stretched her arms and said in a drowsy voice,
“You have no idea how tiring it is to stay up all night there. Although I love to party, I’ve never pulled an all-nighter. Tch, I just want to hit the sack after spending an entire night there.”She kicked off her sky-high stilettos, freeing her feet before she took off her cropped jacket and headed upstairs in nothing but a slip dress.As Arthur watched her swaying figure, the light in his eyes gradually darkened. What should I do now? He suddenly found it hard to let her go.Just then, his phone rang. As he looked at the familiar name on the screen, his lips curled up into a smile before he picked up.
“Emma, do you need anything?”
“I called because I miss you, of course.”
Emma brushed him off before cutting to the chase, asking,
“How are things going with Elspeth?”Knowing that she was still concerned about this, Arthur smiled merrily.
“How do you want me to handle it?”Although he seemed to be seeking her opinion, Emma still sensed something off about the atmosphere.
“Didn’t we agree a long time ago that we’ll get rid of her after she goes abroad?”By that, she meant to end Elspeth’s life, and she knew Arthur would understand what she meant.”I know that, but the time isn’t right yet.”Hearing that, Emma became a little impatient.
“Why not? Haven’t you been abroad for at least a week now?”Arthur in the past wouldn’t have behaved like this; he would always try to meet all her requests and finish them as quickly as possible. However, it seemed like he was brushing her off now.”Just wait a little longer. I’m already taking care of it.”Upon hearing Arthur’s countless excuses, Emma grew uneasy all of a sudden.
“Then hurry up.””Don’t worry, Emma, I promise to fulfill your wish.”
Although Arthur’s voice remained gentle, it sounded a little half-hearted.At his words, Emma finally let out a pleased smile.
“I just knew you’re the best.”Although Arthur was still smiling, his heart had gone cold. Why wouldn’t she marry him, then? Not only that, she even said he was the best. What a joke.”If there’s nothing else, I’m going back to work. I’ll call you when I’m free.”After giving him a goodbye kiss, Emma hurriedly hung up. Now, not only did she have to worry about Elspeth, but she had Callum to watch out for as well. Elspeth had gone abroad, and so did Callum, who went on a business trip; he went to the same place as Elspeth no less. This won’t do. I have to go after them and take a look for myself…At that thought, she headed to her secretary’s office.Inside, her secretary, Ryan, asked without as much as a glance at her,
“What do you want from me?”Emma was now nothing more than a tarnished actress, and even if she made a comeback, she wouldn’t be able to bring much value. Hence, the entire company and even her own manager had stopped caring about her.Although he was being apathetic and impolite to her, Emma had no choice but to soften her voice to achieve her goal.
“It’s about Eden Fashion Week…””No, you aren’t popular enough,”
he immediately refused.In her desperation, Emma placed her hands on his shoulders and gently massaged them.
“Ryan, you’re the best, so I’m sure you have an idea for me, right?”No man could resist a pair of soft and feeble hands that had voluntarily placed themselves on their shoulders, and Ryan was the same.Instantly, he became distracted and began stroking her hands while wearing the usual expression. He said,
“In that case, come to my house tonight, and we’ll discuss this properly.”Emma’s smile widened.
“Okay! Thank you, Ryan!”…When Elspeth awakened, it was already growing late, making the large and empty room seem overwhelmingly desolate. She rubbed her messy hair and got out of bed to pull the curtains open, but the room still remained dimly lit.Suddenly, there was a knock on her door. After dragging her exhausted body over to open it, she immediately saw Isabel, who was a head shorter than her, holding a tray with many elaborate plates of food on it. Taken aback, Elspeth asked,
“What’s this?”Isabel’s face instantly flushed red and she stammered,
“I-I made this for you.””That’s amazing, Isabel.”
Elspeth accepted the tray with a smile and caressed her hair, saying,
“Thanks.”After a long moment of hesitation, Isabel said,
“Elspeth, if that place is exhausting, you shouldn’t go anymore. It really doesn’t matter what happens to my face.”Her compassion softened Elspeth’s heart, and she assured her,
“Don’t worry, it’s not that exhausting. In fact, things are really easy there. Besides, I know how to protect myself.”To prevent her from worrying any further, Elspeth took the food into her room and cleared her plate.When she carried the dishes downstairs to clean them up, Arthur, who was curled up on the couch while reading a book, suddenly turned around and sent her a smile.
“Are you going again tonight?”After putting the plates back in their places, Elspeth stretched and said with a sigh,
“Yeah, I haven’t completed my mission yet, so I have to stay there for the time being.”Arthur’s eyes flashed.
“Then, did you meet anyone special when you went yesterday?””No, I didn’t. Why?”
