Chapter 9: Money or Feelings?

Eliana froze, realizing her mistake. She hadn't seen clearly and accidentally tossed the bath salts. "I didn't mean to do that. It's because you took so long to leave..." "So, it's still my fault?" Chase's expression darkened. Steam veiled his rugged features, making him look even more intimidating, like a wild beast unleashed. He moved closer suddenly, causing Eliana's heart to race. It took several deep breaths to calm herself. "You should go first." "But what if I don't want to?" Chase's stubbornness surprised even him. He couldn't shake off the pain he felt, and he wasn't ready to let it slide. Boxers were known for their quick tempers, and Eliana didn't need to argue with him in this vulnerable situation. "You should go so I can get dressed and tend to your wound. If we keep this standoff, your injury will almost be healed." Chase was a little surprised by her concession. Being the more mature one, he left. The click of the closing door made Eliana break into a cold sweat despite the warm water. She rubbed her temples. Living alone was much better. It was only their first day of marriage, and she already wished for a divorce. Eliana slipped into a bathrobe, pinning up her long hair. Her fair complexion glowed as she stepped out, finding Chase on the couch, shirt half unbuttoned, dark hair still damp, blood tracing down his forehead. He sat, cigarette between his fingers, deliberately turning away when he noticed her. Eliana fetched the first aid kit, tending to his wound. It wasn't deep, but it still stung. It wasn't entirely his fault for getting angry. Close up, she noticed Chase's long lashes, high nose, and flawless skin, hardly befitting a boxer. Such a handsome face seemed out of place in the ring. She lost in thought, and realized the cotton ball soaked in iodine was off-target. Luckily, Chase didn't notice her misstep. After dressing the wound, Eliana packed up. "It should heal in a couple of days." "Count it as a work injury." "I didn't mean to. No need to be petty." Eliana gritted her teeth. He seemed more like an accountant than a boxer, always keeping track of everything. "If we're not talking money, are we talking feelings?" His icy tone showed he was still upset. Clearing things up now could prevent misunderstandings later, and Eliana was willing. "Alright, I'll keep track. Your room's on the second floor, right side. Do as you please." Watching her climb the stairs, Chase's tense face softened into a faint smile. He went to shower, finding women's clothes and lingerie in the bathroom, red in color. Did she forget there was a man in the house, or did she not see him as one? ...... On the second floor, two rooms occupied the space: Eliana's master bedroom and a guest room she repurposed as a dressing area. Initially intended for her uncle Colin's occasional overnight stays, she'd requested a new bed from the landlord. Unexpectedly, it became Chase's domain. The following morning, Eliana rose and attended to her home. Despite living solo, maintaining tidiness was second nature. It fostered a sense of comfort and tranquility. The apartment wasn't big. A foyer led to the living room, where Eliana kept things tidy. The spacious room had a sofa, a coffee table, and a work desk. Photos and ornaments adorned the walls, leading to a balcony with morning sun and a beautiful night view. Eliana tossed the clothes into the washing machine before mopping the floor and preparing breakfast. As she finished cooking, Chase descended the stairs, his demeanor chilly and distant, despite his striking appearance. "You smell breakfast cooking, I assume. Hurry up, brush your teeth, and join me," she said, smiling at him as the sunlight softened her features. Chase was momentarily struck to the core by this scene, freezing in place. With a grunt, Chase headed to the bathroom. By the time he returned, Eliana had set the table. Fried eggs, milk, and pancakes, accompanied by a vase of red roses. It looked great. Placing eggs on his plate, Eliana encouraged, "Dig in." Chase's guard went up at her gentle demeanor. He only ate after watching her take the first bite. "Tastes good." "Praise indeed. You can eat more as compensation for your 'work injury'," she quipped, her eyes narrowing in a playful smile. He knew it! The pretty women were pretty much good liars! He scoffed, "Is breaking my face worth only two eggs?" Eliana's lips curled. "It's for a week. Isn't that generous enough?" "I don't accept," Chase retorted, feeling insulted by the meager compensation for his injured face on their wedding night. "Not accepting isn't an option. I'm the boss here," Eliana asserted, rising to organize her briefcase. "I'm heading out. Do as you please," she added, closing the door behind her, leaving Chase to his breakfast. A note on the milk glass held the apartment's door lock password, written neatly, reflecting her professional demeanor. Surveying the apartment, Chase found it satisfactory for his work. The Wilkinson family was a prominent dynasty with extensive business ventures. Their second subsidiary was in LA, grappling with accounting issues. An investigation revealed embezzlement by the accountant, leading to the disappearance of millions of dollars. Despite efforts, only a fraction—around one or two million—was recovered. Fearing a repeat, Chase opted for a discreet inquiry into the matter. The acting CEO responsible for managing the subsidiary was said to be a relative of Chase, handpicked by one of Chase's uncles. However, Chase has never met this person. It's rumored that this guy had an excellent academic background and strong capabilities, but Chase was skeptical of this claim. "Arrange a meeting with the acting CEO," he instructed, intent on resolving the company's problems. "Yes, sir." ...... Arriving at the office, Eliana was met with urgent news from Colin. "Jeremy rejected all contracts with the Wilkinson family." The worst was coming. Jeremy began his revenge! Fear gripped Eliana. Without those contracts, their company would struggle to function. As her anxiety peaked, a text from Jeremy arrived. "Come to my office. You'll regret it if you don't."