Elizabeth suddenly felt upset.
She couldn't explain why.
Even though she knew Edward was probably just talking nonsense when he said he liked Sophia, it still annoyed her.
And she didn't bother to analyze why.
"Edward, you're spending over 17 billion just to woo a girl? That's quite an investment! With that kind of money, you could have your pick of top celebrities. Is a secretary really worth it?"
Edward snapped, "Just save her already! Why are you talking so much nonsense?"
"Oh, you're yelling at me now?"
"Huh?" Edward froze, then quickly softened his tone. "Did I yell at you? No, no, of course not! Haha, I didn't. The echo in here… yeah, the echo made it sound that way. Sweet sister, dearest sister, kindest and most compassionate Elizabeth, please save her. I'll give you all my shares, every single one. The pharmaceutical company will be yours, and I'll never bother you again. Please, I'm begging you…"
"Fine, I'll think about it. I'll take a bath, do my hair, and if I'm in a good mood, I might drop by."
"Wait, you—"
Beep, beep, beep…
The call was cut off.
Mary put away the phone and stared at Edward with a serious expression. "So… you were actually trying to save someone?"
"Yes, yes."
Edward had no energy left to bicker with her.
[ Did she agree or not? That counts as a yes, right? There's no reason for her to refuse. She'll do it—she's not the type to let someone die. Please, please, save her! ]
Mary had thought she was imagining things the first time she heard Edward's inner thoughts. But now she could hear them again, crystal clear.
She gave Edward a long, searching look before casually asking, "Mr. Edward, you're spending a fortune to impress this girl. She must be breathtakingly beautiful, huh?"
"Huh? Oh… yeah."
Edward wasn't paying attention to her at all. He turned, slumped onto the bench, and leaned against the wall, utterly exhausted.
[ Davis better show up tomorrow. I can't keep cleaning up his mess. ]
[ I've already sabotaged Victoria's deal and saved Sophia's mother… Who knows what happens next? ]
[ Seventeen billion? I couldn't care less. Worst case, I'll get a beating from my dad and become a laughingstock in the North. ]
[ But I've been through worse. My reputation's already in the gutter anyway. The most important thing is… she needs to survive! ]
Mary was starting to find the situation strange—and interesting.
How was she able to hear this guy's thoughts so clearly?
Instead of leaving, Mary leaned against the bars. "So? Spill it."
"Huh? Spill what?"
"What's actually going on?"
Edward forced a wry smile. "What else? Wooing a girl. I've done plenty of ridiculous things—this is just one more to add to the list."
"Edward, don't try to fool me. You've done a lot of shameless and reckless things, but when it comes to money, you've never been sloppy. Spending over 17 billion to chase a girl? That's not a deal you'd ever make unless that girl was Victoria or Catherine. Edward, when you spend 17 billion, you always expect to earn 30 billion, or more, in return."
"What I earn has nothing to do with you!"
Edward wasn't about to tolerate her attitude. The phone call was done, and he didn't need anything else from her. After all, she was Davis's woman—why bother showing her respect?
"Oh? Elizabeth gets over 17 billion for saving someone, and I don't even get a thank-you for making the call?"
Edward walked back to the bars, unflinching, and stared directly into Mary's eyes.
"Of course, you won't go empty-handed. I know you're lonely and bored without a man in your life. Once I'm out of here in a few hours, I'll buy you the latest set of electric toys. How about that?"
Mary's face turned deathly pale. She gritted her teeth. "Edward!"
"Yes, yes, I know. I'm scum."
Mary was so furious that she threw Edward into a crowded cell.
Two hours later, Mary returned to the cell and was stunned by what she saw.
Three tough-looking inmates were kneeling in a row on the floor.
One was polishing Edward's shoes, while the other two sat up straight, their faces bruised and swollen.
Edward lounged casually on a chair, leaning against the wall, whistling.
Sometimes, Edward couldn't understand himself.
By all rights, he should have been a pillar of society, a leading figure in the local economy, a celebrated success story.
Why was he the villain? And such a pathetic one at that?
He owned assets worth billions, had received top-notch education, climbed snowy mountains, parachuted from 10,000 meters, participated in the Spanish Running of the Bulls, spoke four languages, held dual master's degrees, and excelled in boxing, swimming, skiing, and basketball.
He's also tall and handsome, not to be compared with the heavily made-up fresh meat, but in a tailored suit, he exuded rugged charm and leadership.
Why was he doomed to be a lovesick fool, competing with Davis over a woman, only to end up dead in some cliché storyline?
If he really wanted to enjoy life, he could've been like Henry White—charming women with a snap of his fingers, driving a luxury car through a bustling CBD, and having young, beautiful girls flock to him.
Why, then, was he acting like an idiot, chasing after the same few "leading ladies"?
Mary stared at the three kneeling men, furious.
"Edward, did you hit them?"
"Disappointed?" Edward stood up, walked to the bars, and smiled. "You locked me in here hoping they'd rough me up, didn't you?"
That was exactly what Mary had intended. She wanted Edward to suffer a bit—it would make her feel better.
But why were these three such pushovers? Weren't they usually arrogant and aggressive? Three against one, and they still lost?
Mary barked, "Did he hit you guys?"
Edward turned to face the three men. "Go ahead, tell her. Did I hit you?"
The three men frantically shook their heads. "No, no, no! We did this to ourselves."
"Yeah, we tripped and fell!"
"Mr. Edward is a gentleman, polite and refined. He shouldn't even be in jail! Officer, you must have made a mistake. Such a good man shouldn't be arrested!"
Edward grinned triumphantly at Mary, his expression saying: See? You heard that.
Seething, Mary snapped at the duty officer, "Open the cell. Let him out."
Edward picked up his jacket, slung it over his arm, and walked out with pride.
When Edward walked into the lobby, he was stunned.
The person who had come to bail him out was Victoria!
Victoria had just finished signing the papers. She turned around, glanced at Edward, and smiled faintly. "Are you okay?"
"Why are you here?"
"Why can't it be me?"
Mary's face was as dark as thunder. She walked to the reception desk, slammed the file on the counter, and barked, "Sign it and leave."
Edward signed his name.
Mary looked at Victoria. "Victoria, haven't you always been annoyed by him? Why bail him out?"
"Because I wanted to."
Mary sneered. "Capitalists really are heartless."
"Watch your words. Even the police have to follow the law."
"But you know he's scum."
"I know." Victoria's face remained indifferent. "But I don't recall any law saying scum deserve to be executed or imprisoned. He and David Spencer were involved in mutual assault. David has already signed a statement of forgiveness, and I've paid the $2,000 fine. Your job is to release him immediately."
Mary was about to lose her temper but then smirked instead. "I heard you two are getting engaged next month. Congratulations—wealthy people always end up together."
Victoria saw through her provocation and simply smiled. "Thank you. And I heard your family's pushing you into another blind date? Hopefully, the guy is normal this time."
Their gazes clashed, sparks flying.
Everyone in Snow City knew that Edward had been relentlessly pursuing Victoria for three years.
And everyone also knew about Mary's endless series of disastrous blind dates.
Both women had their sore spots, and neither was backing down.
Edward was secretly enjoying himself.
[ "Catfights between women are always such a show! Absolutely spectacular!" ]
[ "But I'd better be careful. These two are fierce—I can't let myself get caught in the crossfire." ]
[ "Funny how you two hate each other now, but when Davis collects both of you into his harem, you'll be such good sisters, haha!" ]
Edward stood behind them, smirking to himself.
Suddenly, he felt a chill down his spine. He looked up to find both women glaring daggers at him.
Edward quickly turned around and mumbled as he walked away, "I gotta go home. My mom's calling me for dinner."
In the car.
Victoria sat across from Edward, facing him directly.
Edward felt like a nervous schoolboy.
[ "Damn it, what kind of business car is this? Why are the seats face-to-face? Where am I supposed to look?" ]
[ "Victoria looks stunning… those black stockings… absolutely killer." ]
Victoria stared coldly at Edward, hearing every word of his inappropriate thoughts.
"Enjoying the view?" she asked expressionlessly.
"It's… it's okay…"
Victoria adjusted her posture and crossed her legs. "Talk. How did you know David Spencer was a problem? What's your source? Did you plant a spy in my company?"
Edward's eyes widened in feigned surprise. "He was really a problem? See, I told you today wasn't a good day to sign that deal! Good thing I intervened…"
"Edward, do you dare to tell me the truth, just once?"
"I always tell the truth."
Edward stuck to his lie, not realizing that every single thought in his mind was being laid bare before Victoria.
Victoria pressed on. "Why did you suddenly decide not to marry me?"
Edward stammered, "I… I just realized I still like Elizabeth…"
"Elizabeth isn't even your girlfriend. Cut the act."
Edward sighed. "Fine. The truth is… I don't like you."
"Then what were those three years about?"
"Bad luck on my part."
"And all the sweet words and care you gave me?"
"Bad luck on your part."
"Then why did you help me today? You'd rather sit in jail than let me suffer. And back then, did you really want to kiss me?"
Edward looked at Victoria and suddenly laughed. "Miss, you must be sick in the head. My fight with David Spencer was a personal grudge—it has nothing to do with you."
Victoria stared at him. "Edward, don't say things you'll regret."
"I never regret anything I do."
"I'm warning you—I hold grudges. After today, you'll never have another chance with me."
"Haha, perfect! From now on, let's just nod politely if we pass each other on the street. If I say one more word to you, I'm a fool!"
Victoria felt a pang in her chest.
Her nose tingled, and her eyes welled up with tears.
"Get out."
She said calmly, "Leave the car."