THE CEO’S ACCIDENTAL BRIDE

CHAPTER 11

“I'm really in Asheville City, and I'm still at work right now. Can we talk about this after I get off?"

Maya tightened her grip on the phone, adjusting her breathing as she called him out by name, "Benjamin Cooper, what's more important right now, your job or the house?"

"The house has already been sold, what else can I do? You tell me," he replied casually.

Taking a deep breath, she suppressed the anger boiling inside her. "You need to get the money back from Tessa for the house!"

“Do you really think I can get money from her? Not a chance! There’s no way in hell!"

"I'm seriously warning you. Mom has high blood pressure and can't handle any stress. You have to sort this out before they come back from their trip! Even if it means paying double the penalty to get the money back, just do it!"

“Come on, sis, don’t joke around. That house sold for at least $150,000. Double the penalty would be $300,000, I’m just a regular office worker, and I only keep $1,000 for myself each month. The rest goes to her. I don’t even have a dime left in my account.”

"Then what do you suggest we do now?"

Benjamin answered as if it were obvious, "Aren't you a civil servant? Didn’t they finish building the new school building? You have a housing fund, and with your savings plus Mom and Dad’s, you should be able to cover the down payment. As for that house, it’s sold, so just let it go."

In an instant, blood rushed to Maya’s head, and she was seething with anger. Her vision darkened as she completely forgot about the person next to her, unleashing a rare string of curses at her phone.

“Benjamin Cooper, why don’t you just go die!”

The muscular arm resting on the steering wheel paused for a moment. Charles turned to look at her, surprised. His chest heaved in frustration, and his pale face flushed red, especially his lips, which looked even more vibrant and alluring, drawing attention with every word he uttered.

His deep-set eyes flickered with a shadow of emotion before becoming even darker and more intense.

Maya had never been this furious before making this call.

Benjamin was utterly useless; his only purpose seemed to be obeying Tessa’s every command.

If he were in front of her right now, she would grab and bite him until he was half-dead.

As a grown man, he had no sense of responsibility at all. It was only then that she remembered she had left her wallet behind while moving things at noon. Now, she was completely broke and had nowhere to stay for the night.

Thinking of this, she quickly thought of dialing Jenna and Chelsea, but both were out of the country on business and she doesn't have their number off hand.

After hanging up the phone, she felt utterly drained. This Christmas was turning out to be nothing as she had imagined.

Taking a deep breath, she looked up and locked eyes with Charles, whose gaze was as deep as the ocean. Her body trembled slightly as she handed him her phone. "I hope Mr. Darwin isn't too amused."

"No worries," Charles replied coolly, his eyes flickering back to her soft, rosy lips.

The car fell into a heavy silence, with only their

breathing filling the air. Maya felt a bit suffocated and decided to change the subject. "How did Ethan find out I was taken to the police station?"

Raising an eyebrow, Charles smirked slightly, his voice low and unhurried. "I was the one who came to pick up Teacher Cooper. What does that have to do with Ethan?"

Maya smiled faintly and shrugged. "I don't have any connection with Mr. Darwin, but I do have a teacher-student relationship with Ethan. He must have asked you to help me."

At first, she felt a mix of shock and confusion, but as she thought it over, the reasons became clear.

Charles's long, slender fingers tapped rhythmically on the steering wheel. He seemed unfazed and smirked, "After spending that night together, Miss Cooper, don’t you think our connection runs a bit deeper…?"

Maya straightened her back and stared at him, honestly saying, "It was just a one-night stand. I know I don't have the charm to make Mr. Darwin take me out of the police station, do I?"

In Springfield City, Mr. Darwin had no shortage of women. Whenever he waved his hand, women flocked to him like moths to a flame.

She had always preferred to stay grounded rather than chase after empty dreams. People needed to face reality.

Charles Adam's apple moved slightly as he spoke meaningfully, as if savoring something. "Actually, Miss Cooper, your touch is quite addictive..."

Maya felt her cheeks flush with heat, a mix of shock and annoyance washing over her. "Mr. Darwin, are you messing with me right now?"

"No..." His deep voice paused for a moment, sounding quite serious as he replied, "I'm not messing with you, just teasing a public school teacher..."

His voice was already deep, but when he said the word "teasing," it became even huskier, sending a shiver down Maya’s spine.

Startled, she raised her voice in warning, her tone slightly wavering, "Mr. Darwin!"

With a smirk still playing on his thin lips, Charles narrowed his eyes lazily and casually said, "I was just joking, Miss Cooper..."

Who jokes like that? Maya felt her cheeks flush slightly as she turned away, her gaze landing on the night sky outside, trying to steady her breathing. The car drove silently forward, and the atmosphere in the air felt heavy and oppressive.

Gradually, she found herself feeling drowsy, her head unconsciously resting against the car window, and she drifted off to sleep.

This sleep was deep and sweet, even leading her into a beautiful dream. White snowflakes floated down from the sky as she spread her arms wide, swirling freely in the air, dancing joyfully.

Just then, a cliff suddenly appeared before her, and she felt her body slipping out of control, plummeting straight toward the edge.

She jolted awake, her heart racing, and slowly opened her eyes. But as soon as she did, she unexpectedly found herself staring at a pair of large hands, which were shockingly resting on her chest...

For a moment, her mind went blank. Once she regained her senses, she grabbed the large hand resting on her chest and, feeling her face heat up, angrily exclaimed, "Mr. Darwin, what are you doing?!"

His hands were soft and slender, delicate and barely filling her grip. Holding her like this felt almost weightless, as if smooth silk was flowing gently in his palm.

The smooth yet sudden tension stirred something deep within Charles. His eyes were deep, and his voice was low. "What does Miss Cooper think I'm doing right now?"

Taking a deep breath, Maya squeezed her words out through clenched teeth. "I hope Mr. Darwin will refrain from any more fuzzy gestures. Otherwise, I won't hold back.”

At her words, Charles leaned in closer, inch by inch. She gritted her teeth and quickly leaned back, trying to escape him.

But behind her was a chair; no matter how much she tried to dodge, there was nowhere to go.