Raymond's Contract Lover

Chapter 4

Arthea's phone rang; someone was calling. It was an unfamiliar number. Arthea never answered unknown calls before, but now she feared it might be related to her father's wrongful accusation, so she picked up.

"Is this Miss Hill?" A middle-aged man asked.

"Yes, this is Arthea Hill."

"I am Michael Johnson, the Secretary General of Watson Group. I'm sorry to bother you. Our President wishes to talk with you. Are you available now?" Michael inquired respectfully.

"Sorry, I don't know the President of Watson Group. You must have the wrong person." Arthea frowned, already in a bad mood, now further irritated by what she thought might be a prank call.

Michael noticed the impatience in Arthea's voice and smiled slightly. "Do you remember the mask from last night? Mr. Watson mentioned it. Please bring the mask to Watson Group by 2 PM today."

Arthea felt a bit scared. That masked man from last night wanted to see her? Just when she was about to refuse, Michael hung up.

Arthea stood there, deep in thought. Her mother noticed Arthea's troubled expression and asked, “What's going on?”

“Nothing happened, don't worry about me.” Arthea forced a smile and glanced at her watch. It was already 1:30 PM; she had half an hour left.

“What’s the matter? Tell me, Arthea.” Her mother was anxious seeing her daughter's distracted state.

“Mom, I have something urgent to deal with now. I’m leaving.” With that, Arthea grabbed her bag and hurried out.

The Watson Group, a highly renowned company, leads among New York enterprises in real estate, jewelry, and film. Arthea had long heard of the Watson Group; her father mentioned its president, Raymond Watson, who was a formidable figure in business circles.

As she drove, Arthea's mind wandered. She felt uneasy, wondering if the masked man from last night could be Raymond Watson. Impossible! With apprehension, she arrived at the Watson Group.

Located in the heart of New York City, the Watson Group's headquarters are in a prominent, scenic district. The Watson building, an imposing 66-floor structure, is said to soon become an iconic landmark.

Under the blazing sun, Arthea looked up, only to have the glaring sunlight mostly obscured by the edifice. The Watson Group boasts an intricate security system, patrolled by the Watson family’s private police. It was Arthea's first visit, and she felt nervous. She clenched her sweaty palms, with the mask from last night in her bag.

Her entry went smoothly, and she reached the president’s office without hindrance. The décor, simple yet luxurious, conveyed an atmosphere of seriousness and silence. A brawny man stood by the enormous floor-to-ceiling window, gazing outside. Arthea, her heart pounding, barely noticed the opulent surroundings.

“Are you Mr. Watson?” she blurted out after an awkward silence, trying to calm her nerves. Slowly, Raymond turned. Hands in pockets, his deep blue eyes and chiseled features could easily charm any woman in New York. Yet Arthea sensed a coldness in his demeanor.

“I am Raymond Watson,” his sensual lips parted, with a hint of a smile in his gaze, which then quickly vanished, replaced by indifference.

"Could you please tell me why you're looking for me?" Arthea, usually a bold and outgoing girl, felt somewhat constrained by the man in front of her.

"Last night, you slept with me." Raymond's chiseled face turned sensual.

Arthea was extremely shocked; the masked man from yesterday was indeed Raymond.

"I believe we were both drunk last night, so it was just a one-night stand. Hopefully, neither of us will think too much of it," Arthea bit her lip, thinking that both should be aware of the situation.

"Miss Hill, I heard your father is going to jail for economic crimes," Raymond said.

How did Raymond know?

Arthea thought carefully, considering that the president of Watson Group would have no trouble finding out what happened to Hill Group. The key was Raymond's motive.

"What do you want?" Arthea, being intelligent, disliked playing word games.

"I want you to be my girlfriend," Raymond replied, gazing at Arthea with determined eyes.

Arthea laughed, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Mr. Watson, I believe you've misunderstood something. First, the Hill family doesn't need your help. Even if we encounter issues, I will find a solution. Second, our relationship was a one-night stand; there's no emotional attachment. Third, I expect you to keep this a secret forever." Arthea didn't want to be manipulated by Raymond. Despite his good looks, she turned him down, knowing he wasn't a good person.

"But I think your father is in constant danger at the police station," Raymond persisted, his gaze fixed on her.

"Stop talking," Arthea snapped angrily, cutting him off.

Family always remained her Achilles' heel.

"You currently lack the ability to resolve these matters. You need my help," Raymond said assertively.

Why is Raymond saying this? Arthea stared into Raymond's striking eyes.

"I can solve all your problems if you agree to be my girlfriend," Raymond stated his condition. Complex emotions flickered in Arthea's eyes.

Be Raymond's girlfriend? Arthea understood he just wanted her as a secret lover, not a wife. Even if he wanted to marry her, Arthea wouldn't care; Hyman had hurt her too much. If a man like Hyman could betray her, how could she trust Raymond Watson?

She had once belonged to the affluent upper class and had never endured such humiliation. In the past, she could have married a governor if she wished.

Arthea remained silent, but Raymond added, "Be my girlfriend, and I will let you go within a month."

"I refuse." Anger surged through her. Why should she be his lover? What did he mean by 'at most a month'? Did he think she could leave once he got bored?

"Stop pretending to be innocent. You have no right to refuse me," Raymond, experiencing his first rejection, was very angry but didn't show it, despite his extreme displeasure.

The sentence felt like a cold, sharp knife piercing Arthea's heart.

Raymond said, "There is no benefit in opposing me."

It was a warning.

Raymond was truly arrogant; Arthea would never like such a person.

The atmosphere became tense; Arthea continued to express her refusal through silence.

"You no longer have a choice. I'll give you a week to consider," he said coldly.

Arthea, one day I will make you understand that you owe me all of this!