Chapter 12 The Bet

Aaron slowly opened his eyes. He had a headache due to the quarrel between the two women, and the effects of the alcohol were also half gone. “What are you two arguing about?” Aaron asked with an irritated frown, his gaze shifting between Tia and Angelica as he rubbed his sore temples. “Angelica, I’ll have the driver take you home. It’s getting a bit late.” Angelica did not expect Aaron to sober up so quickly. She had hoped to close the distance between them while Aaron was drunk. This was all Tia’s fault. “Aaron, how do you feel now?” Angelica quickly adopted a soft and gentle demeanor. She sat close to Aaron. “You probably don’t know how drunk you were when I brought you back. It took a lot of effort to get you home. "Drinking too much is harmful to your health, so don’t do this again next time.” She looked genuinely caring and considerate, like a virtuous and kind wife. If only Tia had not already seen Angelica’s true colors. Aaron felt uncomfortable and withdrew his hand from Angelica’s hold. He said expressionlessly, “Thank you for your care. I’ll have the driver take you back.” Angelica’s expression turned somewhat awkward. "Well... I’m actually really tired... How about I go back tomorrow?” Aaron’s gaze darkened as he looked at Angelica. “After all, there are many vacant rooms in the villa, right? It won’t be a problem if I stay here for the night.” Angelica even thoughtfully added, “If I stay, I can take care of you. You drank so much. You’re sure to have a headache tonight.” “There are many people around who can take care of me.” Aaron was not swayed. “Your mother will worry if you don’t go back.” “No, she knows…” Angelica’s words trailed off as she hesitantly looked at Aaron. Meanwhile, Tia let out a sneer on the side. Her sister had probably gone to great lengths to get such an opportunity. She would not give up so easily. Initially, Angelica thought that she could rest easy by latching onto Vick, but it turned out that he was merely using her. He discarded her right when he was done with her. Now, having finally met Aaron, a true golden bachelor, she naturally tried every means to get close to him. After all, even if she could not marry into the Caius family, Aaron would not treat her unfairly. She indeed had a good plan. Nonetheless, Aaron was not an ordinary wealthy playboy, and he could naturally see through these little tricks. “The driver will take you home,” Aaron said firmly. Seeing that Aaron was completely immune to her tactics, Angelica was a bit annoyed but also knew that if she persisted, it would only cause Aaron to dislike her. Thus, she closed her mouth. Tia found Angelica’s deflated look somewhat amusing. “Then I’ll be leaving…” Angelica glanced at Aaron with some reluctance as she left, but he seemed to have no interest in her. “You seem to be taking pleasure in her misfortune?” Aaron loosened his tie and looked at Tia with a slightly inebriated gaze. “When you were framed by Angelica and your fiancé and sent to prison, you must’ve wanted revenge, huh?” Tia snorted expressionlessly. “What else, then? Do you think I could smile in the face of my enemies?” Aaron was amused by Tia’s response. “I thought someone in your family could be of use after you went to prison, but it turns out they’re all useless! “Your father worked hard all his life. To think that the wealth he painstakingly accumulated would be handed over to others by his own daughter… What do you think your father’s reaction would be if he knew?” Tia now realized that Aaron was truly a complete madman. Did he take pleasure in humiliating her and repeatedly causing her discomfort? “You’re the winner in this game. I've agreed to all your conditions, so I have no complaints about how you treat me. But since you promised not to harm my father, you can’t go back on your word!” “Of course,” Aaron said, propping his chin with one hand as he looked at Tia with interest. “You and your sister are truly different.” Tia rolled her eyes in restraint. “I've never considered Angelica as family in my heart. I will remember every deed she has done to me, and one day, I'll make her pay it all back!” Angelica and Tia’s stepmother were brought home by Guthrie when Tia was ten years old, shortly after the death of Tia’s mother. In front of others, Angelica and her stepmother were friendly and kind to Tia. However, as soon as Guthrie was not around, the malicious mother and daughter pair would show their true colors. Tia hated their hypocrisy and venom as much as her father's inaction. That was why as soon as she grew up, she decisively left home to study abroad. “I’ve never seen anyone more stubborn than you,” Aaron said with a dismissive laugh. “I’ve also never seen anyone more arrogant than you, Mr. Aaron,” Tia retorted unceremoniously. Aaron’s expression changed. He had to admit that if Tia were not Guthrie’s daughter, he would actually admire her. She was tough and brave, distinguishing clearly between those she loved and hated. She always maintained a defiant spirit despite various difficulties. The two women had a similar character, and even their eyes and brows were incredibly alike. He even mistook her for his deceased lover just now... “You don’t seem to be afraid of death at all.” “No one is not afraid of death, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a coward,” Tia said, her gaze fixed determinedly on Aaron’s face. “No matter how you torment me, I will not yield. "I may obey your orders and endure whatever difficulties you bring forth, but my soul will never submit to you.” Aaron was stunned for a moment, then burst into loud laughter. “Good. I have a unique interest, which is to make those who are unwilling to submit, submit.” Tia curled her lips into a smile. “Alright, then how about we make another bet?” “Oh? Let’s hear it,” Aaron said with a smile as he looked at Tia with interest. Tia gestured and said, “One year. In one year’s time, if I win, you let me go!” Aaron leaned back lazily on the couch. “You’re the first person who dares to negotiate terms with me, but I’m pleased because this game sounds very interesting.” Would it not be amusing to have someone who thought they would never submit end up submitting anyway in the end?