Chapter 6 People Don't Ask For Help Like That

"What's that supposed to mean?" Leland inquired casually.

"I've heard rumors that back in high school, a guy got expelled for fighting over her. And when the Murphy family faced tough times, she pressured Edwin Murphy into an engagement. She's more complex than she appears, you know."

"Just a young girl, though."

"She's working now, not just a young girl."

Leland didn't say anything.

Their eyes connected, causing Miranda's heart to miss a beat, but in the next instant, he shifted his gaze.

"I'm heading to my suite."

With that, Leland straightened up and headed toward the elevator.

Two men, appearing to be bodyguards or assistants, followed him.

Miranda realized opportunities to approach him were rare. Missing this chance could mean a long wait for another. Biting her lip, she excused herself from her friends and hurried into the elevator just before the doors closed.

Leland gazed at her with a cold expression.

Catching her breath, Miranda started, "Mr. Adams..."

"You shouldn't have approached me again," Leland said, his voice frosty.

Recalling his words from days ago, Miranda felt a wave of cold fear.

The elevator went up and stopped on the 8th floor.

As Leland confidently entered a luxurious suite, Miranda clenched her lower lip, attempting to follow. However, she was promptly halted by the two men. "Miss, please stop."

"Let her in," Leland commanded.

Once Miranda stepped inside, the door shut, and Leland smoothly removed his suit jacket.

"I wanted to talk about the check."

"Check?"

"About that night..."

Leland moved closer to her. His sandalwood scent made him seem aloof, dangerous, and enigmatic.

"Why? Do you think it's not enough?" His voice was deep and hoarse, both enticing and alluring.

"No." Miranda shook her head.

It was hard for any woman to resist the charm of a man like Leland.

Seeing her uneasiness, Leland smiled, leaned in, and whispered, "Did you come here just to talk about that evening?"

Miranda's body tensed, and she felt a rush of embarrassment.

"I..."

"I've heard you're a doctor, quite occupied with your profession. I doubt you've come solely to discuss the check," Leland remarked, sitting comfortably on the sofa.

His gaze was fixed on her with interest.

Miranda was still young, and Leland, with his years of experience in the business world, could gauge her thoughts with a single look.

"I need... your help."

"People don't usually ask for help like that," Leland observed, motioning for her to sit beside him.

Miranda stayed quiet for a moment before sitting down as he had suggested.

Now, they were sitting very close to each other.

"As a businessman, I have to ask, what can you offer me in return for my help?"

Miranda realized she had nothing to offer.

Perhaps the only thing of value she had to offer was her own body.

"Would offering myself be enough?" Miranda asked, her voice shaky.

Leland responded with a chuckle, his hand resting lightly on her waist, caressing it.

Her waist was slim and appealing.

It was a little-known fact that he had a particular fondness for slender waists.

Dressed in lightweight, thin fabric, Miranda keenly felt his fingers tracing her waist's sensitive areas, causing her to shiver uncontrollably.

All Miranda could do was bear it, gritting her teeth.

Leland whispered in her ear, "Do you think you're so alluring that I'd be captivated by you after just one night?"

In that instant, Miranda felt cold all over.