Chapter 3
676 Words
Rose’s breath caught in her throat. A sudden chill spread through her body, rising from her feet to her chest. Right now, her son’s life was hanging by a thread. In this room, Victor was the only person wealthy enough to save Noel. Rose no longer cared about the hatred between them.
She closed her eyes for a moment and clenched her hands together. When she opened them again, she looked directly at Victor. His brows were drawn together in a frown.
To save her son’s life, Rose cast aside every last bit of her pride. Her body trembled violently as her knees hit the cold floor. She knelt in front of Victor.
Seeing that, Victor simply leaned back against the sofa and let out a humorless laugh. It was obvious that a gesture like this wouldn't earn his sympathy.
"You think kneeling like that can erase what you did seven years ago?" he mocked.
Rose clenched her fists against her knees, fighting back her tears. "Mr. Halston... please give me a job. Any job. I’ll do whatever you ask. But I need a large loan right now. I promise I'll pay every cent back by working for you."
Victor didn't answer immediately. His eyes traveled over her from head to toe, his gaze sharp and intimidating. If anything, he looked even angrier.
"What do you need that much money for, Rose?" Victor asked, leaning forward slightly. "Who are you supporting that has you begging me for money?"
Rose bit down hard on her lower lip. The question cornered her, but she forced herself to stay calm. This man could never find out about Noel.
"What I need the money for is none of your business, Mr. Halston," she replied, forcing her voice to remain firm.
That answer only fueled Victor's anger. He rose from the sofa in one swift motion. His tall frame towered over her, making Rose feel even smaller on her knees.
"None of my business?" Victor scoffed. He grabbed her jaw and forced her to look up into his furious eyes. "You come into my room, kneel at my feet asking for money, and then tell me it's none of my business? Do you think I'm some ATM you can use whenever you want after what you did to me?"
Rose slapped his hand away and pushed herself to her feet with the little strength she had left. She refused to look weak, even though her mind was consumed by thoughts of Noel lying in critical condition at the hospital.
"I'm not asking for pity or a handout, Mr. Halston. I'm offering a deal," Rose said, her breathing uneven. She met his gaze without backing down. "Give me a job. Draw up a legal contract. You can insult me every day if that helps satisfy your need for revenge. I don't care. I just need that money now."
Victor fell silent as he studied her face. His jaw tightened before he slipped both hands into his trouser pockets.
"Come to Halston Group tomorrow morning at seven," he said coldly, turning his back on her as if the conversation was over.
Rose froze.
Her heart sank with disappointment. Victor was telling her to come to his office tomorrow morning without giving her any money tonight. That meant he had rejected her request. The thought of Noel running out of time in the hospital left her feeling weak and helpless.
But before she could turn and leave, Victor spoke again.
"If you can work for me for one month without making a single mistake..." He glanced at her over his shoulder, his eyes cold and merciless. "...then I'll consider your loan request."
"One month?" Rose whispered.
For a brief moment, she was tempted to tell him the truth.
But Victor still hated her. He would never believe her so easily. And if the wrong people found out about Noel, her son would be the one to suffer.
Right now, she had no other choice. Victor Halston was her only way to get the money.
- Writer
