Filed to story: Sweetheart Do You Still Love Me
“These are free. You can have them.”The last thing she was expecting today was solving an old case randomly, but she couldn’t take these herbs without feeling guilty.”I’ll pay you according to the market price. You shouldn’t give it for free.”
Taking out a card from her chest, she then passed it to the old man.
“There’s one million in here. If there’s any extra, take it as my apology gift to you. After all, all these happened because of my mentor.””Although I don’t need all this money… Sonny Schwartz has a very fine student!”
A hearty chuckle escaped the old man’s lips.
“If you’re still single, I’d really wish to introduce my son to you.”Hearing this, she could feel the air around the person next to her dropping.Oh, no. This guy is angry again.
“Thanks, but it’s fine.””Oh, well. You can still come back and look for me if you guys break up. I’ll save my son for you.”The edges of Elspeth’s lips twitched as she kept the herbs away and left.Beside her, Callum stared at her face and couldn’t stop himself from kissing her as punishment, which made her jump a distance away in surprise, holding her face.”What are you doing?”He snorted and said,
“You’re catching unwanted attention.””I didn’t ask for it. Moreover, shouldn’t you be proud that your girlfriend is so popular?”
she asked, and his face relaxed.
“By the way, I have a question for you, Callum.”A light flashed past his eyes.
“What is it?””How did you know that the wound is caused by poisoning?”A few seconds went by quietly before he slowly said,
“Because I was poisoned as well when I was young.”That was a terrible past, and he chose to forget it but was forced to recall it today.”Who poisoned you?”
she asked with a frown.
Feeling the wound on his arm, Callum smiled softly.
“I don’t know. Alright now, do you need other herbs?”
he asked, shifting the topic because he didn’t want to bring up the past. Scratching her chin, Elspeth said thoughtfully,
“I still need a 500-year-old ginkgo, but it can only be bought from the auction. We’ll have to wait until evening.”He scanned around.
“Are you hungry? We’ll grab a bite if you’re hungry.”Similar to a small commercial street, the underground black market had all sorts of facilities within, including food, drinks, and entertainment, but the prices were sky-high. Checking the menu in front of her, Elspeth was flabbergasted to see that just a plate of pasta was priced at 100 dollars.She didn’t even bat an eyelid when paying one million for herbs but felt it was daylight robbery when the pasta cost one hundred. Bearing the pain, she ordered the pasta. Just then, she saw a familiar person at the next table when she returned the menu.Isn’t that… Arthur? Isn’t he in Damoria? What’s he doing here? she wondered.However, the important thing now was he shouldn’t discover them here. In a hurry, she came up with an idea and fished out two pairs of sunglasses from her bag. After putting on a pair, she shoved the other into Callum’s hand.”Arthur is around. Put it on quickly.”Callum understood it and put the sunglasses on obediently.
“Why is he around here?”
he whispered.Actually, he had caught sight of Arthur earlier, too, but he wasn’t sure. It seemed like he had been right all along.”What else could it be? Most probably, he’s also here for the auction. Do you think he’s here for the ginkgo, too?”At the thought of this, Elspeth’s heart raced nervously.”It’s okay. The Winthrops are loaded.””It’s not about the money. If Arthur is up to some hanky-panky, it will be tough to get the ginkgo this time.”She thought about it, and all of a sudden, she came up with a great plan.At the auction, she looked around, and as she expected, she saw Arthur seated not far away with his head lowered and reading something. The almost unnoticeable smile on his lips made her worry, though.While she was uninterested in the items that were auctioned in the beginning, Callum was rather engrossed in the auction and even bought a few pieces of jewelry for her.Thanks to his cold, his voice sounded different from usual, and that prevented Arthur from recognizing him.Soon, it was time for the grand finale of the day-ginkgo.Staring at the ginkgo leaves locked in a glass incubator, Elspeth lit up.”500-year-old ginkgo. Starting price at
1.5 million!”Sure enough, Arthur, who had done nothing earlier, was just waiting for this, and he raised his paddle decisively, calling the price 1.5 million more than the starting price.After that, every time he called a price, Callum would follow closely and call a price as well, but each time only a dollar higher.Yes, only a dollar, which seemed like he was making enemies with Arthur on purpose.Noticing this weird competitor, Arthur twirled his head and stole a look. Elspeth hurriedly ducked, and Callum was wearing sunglasses. In addition, the surrounding was dark, so Arthur couldn’t recognize them.He stared in their direction thoughtfully before looking away.Both of them continued to bid. In the beginning, others were bidding as well, but soon, many gave up as the price went up. In the end, only Arthur and Callum were left to bid for the ginkgo.As though losing patience, Arthur called directly,
“100 million.”
That amount was way over the value of the ginkgo, and Elspeth tapped Callum.
“That’s enough. Give up the bid.”Ignoring her words, he raised his paddle.
“200 million.””Okay, is there anyone higher than 200 million?”Arthur gave it one final thought and decided to give up the bid.”200 million going once. 200 million going twice. 200 million going thrice! Congratulations, sir! This ginkgo is yours!”Elspeth rolled her eyes at him.
“That’s extravagant. If I had known this would happen, I would have just blackmailed Grandfather for money.”Hearing that, Callum stroked her head.
“It’s okay. I’m rich.”At a loss for words to describe him, she rolled her eyes and uttered reluctantly,
“I have money, too. But some things are not worth the money, and we should be clear about which is that, okay?”What a spendthrift. I wonder who is so unlucky to be his wife, she grumbled silently. Oh, I’m that unlucky person.While she was filled with frustration, he suddenly turned to her and said in a serious tone,
“Here’s the money. Watch it for me.””Deal!”Nonetheless, it still lifted her spirits that he had successfully bid the ginkgo for her. When they were at the door, their way was blocked by a group of people out of nowhere.”What now, Callum? You’re actually at a place like this? Didn’t you mention before that the things in the black market were filthy, and you’d rather die than come here?”Standing in the front of the group, Arthur put up an arrogant stance as he stared at Callum, which seemed especially ironic.He can be arrogant all he wants now, but wait and see what will happen later!”What are you planning by getting people to block our path?”Although Callum looked a little unwell, the cold air he exuded still sent shivers down one’s spine, and the people around him only dared to surround him but not do anything to him.”I know it’s really bad to have you surrounded like this, but…”
Arthur smirked, and suddenly, his expression shifted.
“Hand over the ginkgo.”Without flinching, Elspeth held the ginkgo closer to her chest.
“What? Are you here to rob us when you didn’t call for a price in the auction earlier?”Arthur turned to her and grinned.
“Elspeth, if you’ll date me, then I’ll give the ginkgo to you as a present.””Present? Arthur Winthrop, Callum is the one who bought this. Aren’t you ashamed to say something like that?”Today, she learned that a person could be so shameless.However, he acted as though he hadn’t heard her and said casually,
“If your answer is no, don’t blame me for taking it by force.”The people around them started to hop provocatively like they would lunge any second to steal the ginkgo.”Hold on!”Suddenly, a deep voice boomed from behind, and it gave Arthur a bad feeling as he raised his hand to stop his men.Turning around, he saw a group of people approaching them, and he narrowed his eyes.
“May I ask who this is?”That person sniggered.
“I’m Irving Cole. How did it miss me that there’s someone else calling the shots in the market that I’m operating?”The sarcasm in his voice was exceptionally clear, and Arthur knew he had hit a hard nail. So, he kept away his hostility and said,
“You must be kidding. This market is still under your power, and I’m just here to collect a debt.”The luck of me to bump into the boss of the black market before I can even make a move, he thought. Both of them are really lucky.”Collect a debt? Well, tell me about it. Why are you collecting a debt from my goddaughter?”Goddaughter?!
Startled, Arthur pointed to Elspeth and asked,
“She’s your goddaughter?”
Even Elspeth and Callum were equally shocked. Isn’t this the old man who was selling us the herbs earlier?And it turned out that he was the owner of the black market. This was too far-fetched!Also, when did I become his goddaughter? Elspeth couldn’t help but wonder.However, Irving didn’t allow her to react as he glared, his temperament rising high.
“What? Is it weird that I have a goddaughter?”Arthur chuckled apologetically.
“Of course not.”Influential and powerful, Irving also had many men working for him, so Arthur could only soften his attitude and speak to him peacefully instead of colliding head-on with him.In this situation, any normal person would stop before things got out of hand and leave while they still could.”So, tell me. What does my goddaughter owe you? It seems to me that you’re about to rob them, Mr. Winthrop. The black market has always operated normally. Don’t you think that you’ve gone too far?”The entire black market had to show Irving some respect, but who did Arthur think he was for him to have the nerve to act as he pleased on Irving’s turf?Knowing that he was at the losing end this time, Arthur gritted his teeth and apologized to Elspeth,
“I’m sorry, Miss Lynwood. I was rude earlier, and I ask for your forgiveness.”
Then, he was about to leave with his men, but Irving’s men stopped them.”Don’t be in a rush to go. Make things clear. If it’s my goddaughter who’s at fault, I’ll apologize to you on her behalf.”Obviously, Irving wasn’t ready to let Arthur off easy, and he turned to Elspeth with a smile.
“Tell me what happened.”Seeing how Irving was ready to be her backbone, Elspeth immediately understood the situation-he wanted to help her vent her frustrations.”During the auction earlier, he was the one who gave up bidding. But now, he wanted to rob us. Perhaps he doesn’t have so much money, so he has no other choice but to rob my ginkgo,”
she answered honestly without embellishments.Opposite her, Arthur was livid from the anger. When Irving came over earlier, a lot of people started gathering around, and after Elspeth’s statement, everyone now knew that he was here to rob them because he didn’t have the money.Irving snickered at his lie.
“Mr. Winthrop, is Elspeth telling the truth?”Stumped for words, Arthur couldn’t come up with any explanation now that things had come to this stage. Never did he imagine that Elspeth had such strong backing. Goddammit!However, all he could do now was explain in a soft tone to set up an innocent and gentle persona.
“Well… I really need this ginkgo, so I wanted to discuss with Miss Lynwood to purchase hers because I don’t have that much money…”Despite knowing that his explanation was very crappy, he had to find himself an excuse, somehow.Then, his gaze fell on Callum and lit up expectantly.
“Besides, he’s my brother. Why would I fight with him? I swear I only wanted to negotiate with Miss Lynwood, not rob her.”At the sudden mention of his name, Callum ignored his plea for help and retorted nonchalantly,
“You’ve already broken all ties with the Winthrop Family. Why are you still using this family name when you’re outside?”Arthur’s face went stiff. He didn’t expect that a person as aloof as Callum would shoot him down so directly. There were also some socialites around them, and they agreed with Callum after he said that.
“That’s true. Last month, Arthur Winthrop announced on his own that he’s cutting off all ties with the Winthrop Family, making Mr. Theodore Winthrop so mad that he’s still feeling unwell in the hospital now.”All of a sudden, Arthur became the topic of criticism as the audience started pointing their fingers and looking down at him while Callum and Elspeth stood silently at the side and watched him getting scorned.Embarrassment washed over him, but he still held his head high despite the people around him jeering at him. He channeled all of his hate on Callum.Meanwhile, Elspeth didn’t want to push Arthur to a corner and smiled at Irving.
“Forget it. We were friends in the past, after all. Let’s not make things too ugly.”Irving nodded in agreement.
“You’re considerate and gentle. Okay, we’ll let Mr. Winthrop go, then.”
Right after he said that, something popped up in his mind and he added,
“Also, in the future, please avoid stepping into any black market that I’m operating, Mr. Winthrop.”His words made Arthur, who was already feeling in the dumps, ball his fists tightly. Callum and Elspeth… Just you wait!After he left with his tail between his legs, the people around them dispersed because there was nothing else to watch. Irving turned to Elspeth with a smile.
“It’s a good thing that I showed up on time. Otherwise, you’d be in trouble.”She returned his smile.
“Thanks for your help, Mr. Cole.”The way she addressed him sent disgruntlement through his chest.
“I already said you’re my goddaughter, and that makes you someone under my protection. From now onward, you’re my goddaughter for real.”Biting her lip, she felt caught in a dilemma.
“How could I-“”Why not? Since you can’t be my daughter-in-law, you can be my goddaughter. I’m really quite happy with you, young lady. You’re talented and brilliant. I should really introduce you to my useless son and make him learn from you!”Elspeth burst into laughter at his words. The boss of the black market was just another regular father, and the way he nagged was a little similar to her father.At the thought of her father, she couldn’t help but let her gaze drift away, and she was more determined than ever to find her mother.As though reading her mind, Callum stroked her hair.
“If that’s what Mr. Cole says, just accept his intention.””Okay, Uncle Irving,”
Elspeth said tentatively, which made Irving smile from ear to ear.”Good. Come to me if you need anything, and I’ll give them all to you for free. There’s everything here. As long as you want it, I’ll set it aside for you beforehand.”Without a doubt, being spoiled in such a generous manner moved Elspeth, and she said,
“Thanks, Uncle Irving.”However, getting such an ace card accidentally was kind of a surprise.”If there’s a chance next time, I’ll introduce you to my son, but I gotta go now because of some other matters. See you.”After Irving left for his business, Elspeth and Callum left the black market as well, and she could sense that something was amiss with Callum’s condition the second they went out because his steps were light, and there was an abnormal blush on his face.”What’s wrong, Callum?”Holding his arm, she used her right hand to feel his forehead, which was burning hot.”You’re having a fever, Callum!”Immediately after the words left her lips, Callum, who was swaying on his feet, passed out the next second.
Elspeth didn’t expect Callum to faint. She didn’t know what to do other than support his body and let him lean on her. She was at a loss. Then, a clear voice came from behind her.”Elspeth? Why are you here?”Spencer couldn’t help but feel sad when he saw the intimate scene between the two people in front of him.He knew it wasn’t his place to ask about them, so he could only greet them like this.”Spencer, Callum passed out, and he has a fever!”
Her eyes were filled with panic.”Come. I’ll help!”
Spencer understood immediately and helped her carry Callum into the car.”Thank you.””No worries. Do you want me to bring you to the hospital?”Spencer couldn’t express how he felt. She even thanked him for helping a man, but he was unwilling to let go of any chances to be alone with Elspeth.The unconscious Callum didn’t count.”You don’t have to.”
She shook her head apologetically. She looked at Callum, who had passed out, and her heart ached as she was not in the mood to talk.
“You must be busy. You should get going.”This was an underground black market. Spencer probably had something to do here. She didn’t want him to accompany her and waste his time. She felt very apologetic for even troubling him in the first place.Remembering that he had something to do, Spencer nodded, albeit a bit reluctant.
