He was too perfect. Without meeting Alexander in person, you could never understand just how perfect, charming, and unforgettable he was. His face was so flawlessly handsome that everyone who saw him would involuntarily hold their breath, drawing countless women to him like moths to a flame.
Had she not seen him from afar before her rebirth, Emily would never have known what that myth of a man truly looked like.
If possible, she would have avoided any involvement with such a high and mighty man.
But she couldn't. She needed money-a lot of money. She desperately needed to change her fate after her rebirth.
After being reborn, Emily told herself that in this life, she would only want money, not dignity.
So when she finally met Alexander Remington, she wasted no time in initiating a meticulously planned seduction.
But after succeeding, Emily began to fear.
That man was too insane, too alluring, like a poppy flower-addictive and terrifying, planting a deep-seated fear that grew from her very bones, indestructible and deeply rooted.
Just a short while ago, Emily had doubted if she could even survive.
The pain of being on the brink of death, mingled with extreme pleasure, made her tremble with fear...
No one knew how badly she wanted to leave now, but she couldn't.
Firstly, she needed money. She had no way out, already tainted. Regardless of the outcome, she had to collect her compensation. She had never been one to do pointless work.
Secondly, she couldn't move. Her body ached terribly, and she was paralyzed with fear. Her whole body trembled. She would collapse before she even reached the door.
Emily was gambling-betting her life with no chips left, like a mad gambler risking her last breath in a game that might mean nothing to the other player.
With a click, the bathroom door opened. Emily's body trembled violently but quickly regained composure. The fear in her eyes swiftly retreated, hidden in the shadows, and she transformed into a vulgar gold-digger in an instant.
She turned her head to meet Alexander Remington's gaze.
Despite being perpetually awestruck by his appearance, seeing him now still made her breathless.
But she had no time to dwell on his looks. She had to secure a large sum of money from him to protect herself. This was her second chance, and she would not allow her life to be manipulated by others again.
Alexander walked towards her, a white towel wrapped around his waist, a towel draped over his shoulder, and his dark hair dripping with water. Under the dim light, he looked seductive, almost demonic.
He was stepping closer, and Emily's face maintained a delicate smile. She appeared calm, but her heart was pounding rapidly, as if it would fly out of her chest the moment she opened her mouth.
Emily maintained a delicate smile on her face, appearing calm, but her heart was racing wildly, as if it could leap out of her chest at any moment.
Alexander's gaze remained fixed on her, cold and indifferent. Emily's hand, hidden beneath the bedsheet, clenched tightly, her nails digging into her palm, piercing the skin without her feeling the pain.
It wasn't until the sharp sting of a slap landed on her left cheek that her heart settled back into place.
Thank goodness, she thought. If he hadn't hit her, she wouldn't have been sure of his intentions. But since he had struck her, it meant she might not die after all.
A person who gets angry is always easier to deal with than one who shows no emotion.
Rumor had it that Alexander Remington was a very indifferent man, rarely losing his temper. Few could catch his attention, and he was notoriously ruthless with things he didn't care about.
But now, the fact that she had managed to anger such a composed man meant she still had some influence. If someone truly didn't care, they wouldn't bother to hit you.
Sure enough, he spoke, "I never hit women. You're the first."
Emily extended her crimson tongue, a sweet smile playing on her lips as she licked the blood from the corner of her mouth, ignoring the burning pain in her cheek. "Thank you. I'm honored."
She had completely let go of all pretense. A woman willing to give everything up had no need for dignity, pride, or honor.
Did those things have any value? Could they fill her stomach? Save her life?
No.
So, Emily would never waste any emotion on things that held no worth.
The murderous intent in Alexander's eyes instantly vanished. The situation had reached a point where words were useless. "Speak. What do you want?"
His brief flash of anger had already dissipated, his sharp gaze seemingly able to see through Emily's thoughts, exposing all her intentions.
Emily shrugged. She had nothing to hide. Her goal had always been singular-money.
"Mr. Remington, what do you think I want? I'm just a woman who sells herself. Naturally, I want money."
Emily tried her best to embody the demeanor of a nightclub hostess, exuding a lowly, vulgar charm. She wanted to anger him, to confuse his sharp mind for even a split second, so she could grasp the slimmest chance of success.
In front of this man, she had to be extremely cautious. He was a devilish enigma, while she was merely a novice fox.
Alexander's gaze was like that of a hunting eagle, ready to tear the woman before him apart with his sharp beak. "You're quite bold to have stayed until now."
"That's because your conditions are excellent, Mr. Remington. Besides, in the short term, I can't find a man richer or more capable than you. So, a bit of boldness is necessary." Emily's seductive red lips and smile exuded a sense of debauchery, as if she were a true gold-digger, shamelessly declaring that her only purpose was money.
Alexander's face showed undisguised disgust, as if he were looking at a fly. He sneered, "Are you so sure that I will agree?"
It was the first time he had encountered such a shameless woman who dared to scheme against him.
Fine, she wanted money? Then let's see if she could handle it.
Alexander called his secretary...
About twenty minutes later, Secretary Parker arrived as quickly as possible, presenting a contract to Alexander with a respectful bow. "Sir."
Alexander took the contract and handed it to Emily. "You want money? Here's a contract. Sign it, and you'll get what you want."
Emily took the contract, her hands trembling slightly. She quickly scanned the document, her eyes widening as she read the terms. It was a contract that could bind her to Alexander in the most degrading way, offering her a substantial amount of money but at the cost of her freedom and dignity.
"What's the matter? Having second thoughts?" Alexander's voice was mocking, his eyes filled with contempt.
Emily clenched her teeth and forced a smile. "No second thoughts. I'll sign it."
She took the pen and, with a steady hand, signed her name at the bottom of the contract. As she handed it back to Alexander, she couldn't help but feel a chill run down her spine.
"Very good," Alexander said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Welcome to your new life, Emily. I hope you're ready for it."
Emily met his gaze, her resolve hardening. She had made her choice, and there was no turning back now. She would endure whatever came her way to secure her future.
---
With the contract signed, Emily knew she had sealed her fate. Alexander's terms were harsh, and his intentions were clear. He would make her life a living hell, but she was prepared to face it all for the sake of her survival.
As Alexander left the room, Emily sat on the edge of the bed, her mind racing. She had taken the first step in a dangerous game, and now she had to navigate it carefully to achieve her goal.
She looked around the opulent room, realizing that this was now her new reality. The path she had chosen was filled with uncertainty and peril, but she would not back down.
"God, if you have given me this chance, then let me succeed. Let me hold this man in my hands and use him as my weapon to conquer all."
Emily's determination was unwavering. She had come this far and would not let anything stand in her way. The game had begun, and she was ready to play it to the end.