Mia arched a brow, feigning indifference. "And what do I think?"
Richard smirked, seeing through her. "You think I'm like the others. That I want something more." He stepped closer, the light catching the intensity in his eyes. "But I didn't bring you here to make you my mistress."
Mia crossed her arms, her expression skeptical. "Then why? No man throws around that kind of money without expecting something."
Richard leaned against the marble counter, exhaling slowly. "Because I need allies, not playthings." His voice hardened. "I'm at war with my past. My in-laws framed me, tried to kill me, and now the whole world thinks I'm a criminal. If I'm going to take them down, I'll need powerful people on my side—and I don't believe in burning bridges before they're built."
Mia was taken aback. She had anticipated seduction or manipulation, but not this—a calculated plan for revenge and redemption.
"So, you want… an alliance?" she asked, curiosity replacing suspicion.
Richard nodded. "I don't need your body, Mia. I need your influence, your connections. Together, we could change the narrative. You're respected, admired—and most importantly, you're untouchable. I need someone like that in my corner."
Silence hung between them for a moment, the tension shifting.
Mia regarded him carefully, a mix of intrigue and disbelief. "You're either the boldest man I've ever met," she said slowly, "or the most desperate."
"Maybe I'm both," Richard replied with a smirk. "But either way, I'm done being underestimated."
Mia crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Wait… you're that guy—the one trending on every news channel for cheating on his wife?" Her voice was laced with both curiosity and a hint of skepticism.
Richard met her gaze steadily, his expression unreadable. "Yes," he said without hesitation. "I'm that guy."
Mia raised a brow, leaning slightly forward. "So, you admit it?"
His jaw tightened, but he didn't look away. "It was a setup," he said, his voice firm but calm. "I would never cheat on my wife."
Mia tilted her head, her expression a mix of disbelief and intrigue. "That's what they all say," she said with a faint smirk. "Why should I believe you?"
Richard exhaled slowly, as if weighing whether to explain further. "You know what? Forget it, you don't have to believe me."
Mia's voice softened as she glanced at Richard, her posture relaxed but thoughtful. "I'll think about what you said," she said, her eyes lingering on him. "Tomorrow, you'll have my answer—whether or not I want an alliance with you, Richard."
Richard met her gaze, offering a slight nod, his expression unreadable. "Goodnight," he said, turning to one of the AI stationed nearby. "Take me to the master bedroom."
The AI responded instantly, its voice smooth and mechanical. "Right this way, sir."
As Richard followed the AI toward the grand hallway, Mia watched him with a curious smile. "Thank you… for today," she called out softly.
Richard paused for a brief moment, glancing back over his shoulder. His expression softened ever so slightly, but he said nothing. Instead, he continued walking, disappearing into the opulent corridor.
Mia exhaled, her smile lingering as she turned toward another room. This man is different, she thought. He's not what I expected… and that might be the most dangerous thing about him.
Richard entered the master bedroom, his footsteps muffled by the plush carpet beneath him.
The room was enormous, adorned with polished marble floors, and rich velvet curtains. A massive king-sized bed with silk sheets dominated the space, and the walls were lined with elegant artwork.
He moved toward the wardrobe, opening it to find it fully stocked with high-end designer clothes, all in his size.
"They think of everything here," he mused, running a hand over the fabric of an expensive suit.
His stomach growled, pulling him from his thoughts. He turned to the AI stationed in the corner, its sleek, humanoid frame gleaming under the soft lighting. "It seems I'm famished," Richard said. "Can you get me something to eat?"
The AI's glowing eyes blinked in acknowledgment. "Anything you desire, sir. Please give the command."
Richard considered for a moment. "Something light will suffice."
"Understood, sir," the AI responded and left the room.
Within twenty minutes, the AI returned, its metallic hands carrying an intricately arranged tray. It placed the tray on a table near the window and gestured for Richard to sit. "This is wine for you, sir, accompanied by seared fish with a light citrus glaze—since you requested something light."
Richard sat down, eyeing the meal with mild amusement. Even when I ask for simple, they deliver luxury. He lifted the glass of wine, taking a sip, the rich flavor coating his tongue. The AI stood silently nearby, awaiting further instructions.
"Perfect," Richard murmured, cutting into the fish. As he took his first bite, a thought crossed his mind—tomorrow would be the first step in his revenge, but tonight, he'd allow himself this small peace.
Richard lifted the wine glass, turning it slightly to inspect the label. Screaming Eagle Cabernet. The name glinted in gold against the dark bottle.
Curious, he asked, "How much does this wine cost?"
The AI responded promptly, its voice smooth and emotionless. "$500,000, sir."
Richard's eyes widened slightly, the glass pausing midair. "Half a million dollars for a bottle of wine?"
"Yes, sir," the AI confirmed.
He glanced down at the perfectly seared fish on his plate, its delicate aroma wafting through the room. "And the fish?" he asked, already bracing for the answer.
"This is Bluefin Tuna, sir. It costs approximately $1 million."
Richard let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief. "A million-dollar fish and a half-million-dollar bottle of wine for something light. Well, I suppose I'm dining like royalty now."
"I hope this meal tastes like a million bucks," he muttered to himself, cutting into the tender fish.
He took a bite of the Bluefin Tuna, the tender flesh melting on his tongue.
The flavors were rich, buttery, and perfectly seasoned. He closed his eyes, savoring the experience, and let out a low moan.
"This is delicious," he murmured, almost in disbelief. The taste was unlike anything he'd ever experienced—smooth, delicate, yet profoundly satisfying.
He took another sip of the Screaming Eagle Cabernet, the wine's deep, velvety texture complementing the fish perfectly. It was a meal fit for royalty, and for the first time in a long while, Richard felt a moment of pure, unburdened indulgence.
"Maybe being ridiculously rich has its perks after all," he mused, smiling to himself.