Chapter 5 A proposal

The tension in the room thickened as Mia sat upright on the luxurious bed, her fists clenched tightly. Her instincts screamed at her to leave, but Alexander's calm, smug expression only heightened her frustration.

"I'm leaving," she announced, her voice trembling but determined.

Alexander chuckled softly, leaning back against the window frame with his hands in his pockets. "By all means, go," he said, his tone light, almost teasing. "But tell me, Mia-who's going to help you reclaim everything you so naively handed over to Ethan?"

Mia froze, his words cutting deeper than she expected. She hated how easily he'd cornered her. "I- I'll figure it out myself," she replied, her voice laced with defiance.

Rising to her feet, she smoothed her dress and squared her shoulders. "Thank you for helping me last night, Mr. Wolfe," she said curtly. "I'll repay you as soon as I can afford it."

Alexander barely paid attention to her words, his sharp gray eyes shifting downward. His gaze lingered on her chest, where the black satin nightdress she wore-obviously borrowed-was slightly too large, causing the neckline to dip precariously.

Mia frowned when she noticed his distracted demeanor. Following his line of sight, she gasped as she realized he was ogling her chest. Embarrassment flooded her, and she let out a horrified scream.

"Shameless!" she yelled, yanking the duvet up to cover herself. "Were you seriously just-?!"

Alexander rolled his eyes and waved her off. "Don't flatter yourself," he said dryly. "You're too small for my taste."

Mia's face burned with indignation. "W-What did you just say?"

"You heard me." His tone was nonchalant as he folded his arms. "I prefer women with... more to offer in that department."

Her embarrassment turned to fury. "I'm still growing!" she shot back, her voice rising with each word.

Alexander raised an unimpressed brow. "You're 22, Mia. If anything was going to grow, it would've happened by now. At best, there's a 1% chance of any improvement."

Mia gawked at him, utterly appalled. "How can you talk about this so casually?!" she shrieked, her face redder than ever as she covered

Alexander smirked, thoroughly enjoying her flustered state. "Relax. It's just an observation. Like I said, you are not my type."

Mia gritted her teeth, resisting the urge to hurl something at him. "Whatever," she muttered, trying to compose herself. "I need clothes. I have to go see my mother."

Alexander shrugged. "My offer still stands, you know," he said, his tone turning serious.

Mia frowned. "I don't recall you giving me an offer."

Pushing off the window frame, Alexander strode toward her, his towering 6'4" frame making her petite 5'5" feel even smaller. He stopped just inches away, his intense gaze pinning her in place.

"I'll help you get your revenge," he said softly, his voice low and dangerous. "But you'll have to stay with me to do it."

Mia narrowed her eyes, her mind racing. Alexander Wolfe wasn't a man who gave without expecting something in return. Whatever his conditions were, she knew they'd be steep.

"I don't need your help," she said firmly, refusing to let him intimidate her.

Alexander's smirk returned. "Suit yourself. But don't come crying to me when Ethan and Jenna trample you into the ground."

Before she could respond, the door swung open, and a young maid entered, carrying a neatly packed bag.

"Your clothes, Miss," the maid said, bowing slightly.

Mia snatched the bag with a quick "thank you" and bolted for the bathroom. Alexander watched her retreating form with mild amusement, his lips curving into a sly smile.

---

Inside the bathroom, Mia changed quickly into a simple pair of jeans and a plain blouse. She caught her reflection in the mirror and frowned. Dark circles under her eyes and the haunted look in her gaze reminded her of how far she'd fallen.

With renewed determination, she grabbed her phone from the bedside table and stormed toward the door.

"Goodbye," she said curtly, not sparing Alexander another glance as she stepped into the hallway.

"Miss Mia you won't find a can here!" Liam called after her but she didn't listen.

---

Four Minutes Later

The front door slammed open, and Mia walked back into the room, her hair damp from the misty morning air.

Alexander, who was now sipping coffee at the dining table, raised an eyebrow. "Back so soon?"

Mia's face was flushed with frustration. "There aren't any cabs around here," she admitted reluctantly.

Liam, seated across from Alexander, chuckled. "I tried to inform you about that."

Mia shot him a glare before turning to Alexander. "Can you give me a ride?"

Alexander smirked, clearly enjoying her predicament. "Oh, so now you need my help?"

"It's just a ride," she snapped.

He leaned back in his chair, swirling his coffee leisurely. "And what's in it for me?"

Mia's fists tightened. "Fine. Add it to the list of debts I owe you."

Alexander stood, his towering frame once again making her feel small. "Deal. Let's go."

---

In the car, the tension was palpable. Mia sat stiffly in the backseat, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.

Liam, seated in the passenger seat, glanced back at her with a smirk. "You're in for an interesting ride, Mrs. Stone."

Mia scowled. "Don't call me that."

Alexander, seated beside her, leaned in slightly. "You're right. 'Stone' doesn't suit you anymore. You'll need a new name-one that fits the new life you're about to start."

Mia turned to him, her glare sharp. "I don't need a new life. I just need to fix the one I have."

Alexander's smirk deepened. "We'll see."

As the car sped down the road, Mia couldn't shake the feeling that she'd just made an unintentional deal with the devil himself.