Chapter 2 What Did You Call Me

The journey from the club to the villa was short, yet Miley found herself lost in an unexpected dream along the way.

She was transported back to her wedding day three years ago.

On the edge of a tall, fourteen-story building, Leyla stood in the breeze, tears streaming down her face, looking like she might jump at any moment.

"Miley, can't you just let him go? You have so much already. Why must you take Harold from me, too? Dad's already on your side. Isn't that enough for you?" Leyla said.

Miley watched the scene unfold with a detached expression.

Seeing Miley's unbothered face, Leyla became more agitated and yelled, "Miley! How can you be so heartless? I curse you! You'll lose everything you hold dear!"

Eventually, the police managed to bring Leyla down from the roof, and the wedding proceeded despite the commotion.

But as Leyla had said, Miley did end up losing nearly everything.

She had lost her grandparents, her mother, and her uncle, Abel Tucker.

The nightmare seemed never-ending. Amidst the haze, she heard a deep, masculine voice.

"Miley."

The voice was familiar but lacked the gentleness in her memory. Slowly coming out of her dream, Miley opened her eyes.

She was met with a pair of intense black eyes, blurring the line between dream and reality for a moment. She grabbed at the man's sleeve and whispered hoarsely, "Hal."

"What did you just call me?"

Harold looked down and coldly grasped her chin with his fingers. His gaze sharpened suddenly.

Miley was disappointed that the person in front of her wasn't the one she thought.

"It's nothing. I was just dreaming."

Miley realized her mistake, confusing Harold for Hal in her drowsy state.

When she came back to her senses, she noticed they had reached the villa's entrance. She unbuckled her seatbelt, ready to leave the car.

But then, Harold caught her wrist abruptly. His eyes narrowed as he asked, "Miley, who did you think I was just now?"

Miley was shocked by his perceptiveness.

"There's a good-looking young guy who showed up at the club a couple of days back." She arched her eyebrows and casually withdrew her fair wrist. Noticing his expression turned sour, she said slowly, "I was wrong. You can't really be compared to a guy in his early twenties."

She lied while keeping a straight face.

Harold's expression turned gloomy. He embraced her, placing one hand on her waist and the other on her curvy hip.

"True, I'm not as young as those toy boys. However, if you're in the mood for sex, feel free to call me. After all, I'm the only one who can truly please you."

Harold caressed her backside with intent.

Miley broke free from his arms and tidied her clothes gracefully. She scoffed, "No, thank you. You should save your energy for Miss Pearson. I'm not that desperate."

For years, he and Leyla had been more than friends. It was hard to imagine them not being intimate.

He had been so passionate in the car earlier. It was hard to imagine how he would be when he was alone with Leyla.

The thought of this man possibly being with another woman made Miley feel slightly uncomfortable.

The disgust in her eyes was unmistakable. Without offering any explanation, Harold said casually, "I assumed you were out hunting for someone to have sex with at the club. If that's not the case, better steer clear of those toy boys."

His words were full of sexual hints, painting Miley as someone horny.

Miley shot him a cold look and proceeded upstairs.

The smile faded from Harold's face. He watched her ascend with a gaze that was difficult to read.

He eventually made his way up after her.

Despite their marriage being more of an arrangement, they didn't sleep in separate rooms.

Miley returned to their room and decided to shower first. After that, Harold went to take a shower.

Miley lounged on the sofa, absentmindedly turning on her laptop. That was when she noticed an email from her assistant.

She settled on the couch, legs tucked under her, and opened the email.

As she read the email, her brow furrowed, her irritation was clear. She quickly made a video call with her assistant and questioned, "Are you telling me the most Douglas Group will offer is a three percent discount?"

"Yes. They've cited our marketing strategy and financials as the reason for capping the discount at three percent."

Miley had calculated the expected benefits of partnering with Douglas Group. For Tucker Group to meet its targets, a five percent discount was crucial. Initially, both parties had agreed, but Douglas Group had unexpectedly broke their promise.

Her lips tightened, a shadow of concern crossing her face.

Lost in thought about the project, she barely noticed Harold approaching until he placed a coat over her shoulders.

Miley raised her head and saw his eyes skimming over her chest. He said, clearly annoyed, "Cover up."

Only at that moment did Miley become aware that she was dressed in a revealing nightgown.

Even though her assistant was a woman, it still wasn't proper for her to be seen by anyone else in such attire.

"Instruct the marketing team to make a new strategy first thing tomorrow. We need to push Douglas Group for an additional two percent discount no matter what."

She issued her instructions to the assistant and quickly ended the video call.

Harold glanced at the papers she was reading and inquired casually, "Is this about your deal with the Douglas family?"

"Yes."

Miley glanced at the marketing plan again, her frustration mounting.

Harold looked at her, a subtle smile playing on his lips, saying, "Your marketing plan has flaws, and the Douglas family isn't keen on granting the discount you're after."

He had pinpointed the issue precisely.

Harold positioned his hands on either side of her, inquiring leisurely, "If I lend a hand, what's in it for me?"

Despite her reluctance to acknowledge it, Miley knew Harold had a superior knack for business compared to her.

However, Harold was a genuine businessman, and he was no exception to engaging only in profitable deals.

The deal with the Douglas Group was a multimillion-dollar affair. Miley knew precisely what to do now.

She wrapped her arms around Harold's neck and gently kissed the corner of his lips. Looking up at him with her slender eyes, she whispered seductively, "Darling, I need your help."

Harold's gaze narrowed slightly as he placed a hand on her thigh and said with a hint of malice, "I remember someone recently saying I meant nothing to her in the car."

He was such a petty schemer!

He not only took advantage of the situation but also raked up the past.

"What do you want?" Miley asked, clenching her teeth.

Harold caressed her lips and guided her hand down to his lower body, murmuring in a deep, rough voice, "You're well aware of what I want."