The young Master's little prey

Signing the contract

CHAPTER 20



Matthew quickly shifted the focus, announcing, "You are right in time for breakfast." Just then, two young boys wheeled in a food trolley laden with various dishes. A butler followed closely behind, overseeing the boys as they set everything out on the table, their youthful excitement filling the room. The sight was enough to make Judy's mouth water in anticipation.



"Here," Matthew said, gesturing for Judy to take a seat at the table, once again displaying the flirtatious smile he wore earlier as he pulled out a chair for her. However, Julius interjected, his tone turning commanding, "Don't you have work to do, Matthew?" 



Matthew let out a frustrated breath, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Bruhh," he muttered, clearly taken aback by the interruption. "Come on, man, I need home-cooked meals as well!" His protest echoed in the room, but Julius remained firm, glaring at Matthew, his expression conveying the unspoken command for him to leave.



Realizing the futility of his protest, Matthew resignedly stood up, picked his suit jacket from a nearby chair, and begrudgingly dragged his feet toward the exit of the mansion. It was evident that he valued a good meal but also understood that his boss wasn’t accommodating his whims at that moment.



Judy watched the exchange, intrigued by the dynamics at play, and she felt a hint of relief at Matthew’s departure. There was a palpable shift in the atmosphere as she and Julius were left alone. His commanding presence loomed over her, contrasting sharply with Matthew’s previous friendliness. 



As the aroma of breakfast wafted through the air, Judy’s stomach reminded her just how hungry she was. The spread was impressive, displaying an array of dishes that beckoned to be tasted. Despite the unease she initially felt with Julius, there was an undeniable thrill at being in this lavish mansion, surrounded by an opulence much different from her daily life.



Julius, observing her fascination with the meal, relaxed slightly, a hint of approval softening his stern demeanor. "Don't worry, the food is worth it," he said almost reassuringly, his gaze moving from the table back to Judy. 



As she settled into her seat, Judy felt a growing curiosity about both her host and her new surroundings. She recognized that getting to know Julius would be far from simple, but there was something intriguing about the challenge ahead. The morning promised more than just breakfast; it hinted at uncharted territories of conversation and connection, layers yet to be uncovered. 



With the sound of clinking dishes and the intensity of Julius’s gaze, Judy braced herself for a morning filled with more than just food—it was the beginning of a complex relationship that could unveil many secrets.



As Judy finished her meal, she lifted her gaze to notice that Julius had already completed his own and was now watching her intently. 



He remarked, "How are you this tiny when you eat this much?" intending it as a light-hearted joke to ease the mood. However, instead of laughing, Judy felt a flush of embarrassment creep up her cheeks.



“I am sorry” She quickly apologized, unsure if she had embarrassed herself in front of him. Her mother's lack of complaints about her appetite contrasted sharply with the stern words of her stepmother, who often warned that eating too much could hinder her chances of finding a good partner.



Julius, sensing her discomfort, reassured her, "No need to apologize." Unsure of how to respond, Judy stood up to clear the dishes but was halted by the butler, who informed her that it was unnecessary. Julius, noting her effort, looked up from his phone to explain, "The boys will always do that, you don't have to." This made Judy return to her seat, allowing the servers who had served her meal to reclaim the plates.



Clearing his throat to gain her attention, Julius placed a large brown envelope on the now vacant table. "Matthew brought the papers in this morning," he said, encouraging her to review them thoroughly before signing. As he slid the envelope closer to her while preparing to leave, Judy felt a sudden urgency. "I'll sign the papers now," she exclaimed, her tone more hasty than she intended. Realizing how she had come across, she immediately added, "I'm sorry," she added almost immediately, to manage her tone and avoid provoking the boss.



Julius raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her eagerness, and then turned to the butler. "Get us a pen then," he commanded, taking his seat again as Judy mirrored his actions. With the atmosphere shifting from light-hearted banter to business, Judy prepared to engage with the contents of the envelope, feeling both anxiety and anticipation about the impending commitments. 

"I still advise you to review the contract contents," he persisted, his tone firm. "It’s important that you understand what you’re committing to. Plus, I don’t like being crossed." Judy shifted her gaze from the envelope on the table to his penetrating look, feeling a chill run down her spine. Yet, rather than fear, she felt a surge of confidence.



"No matter what the conditions are, I am still going to sign the contract," she declared, meeting his stare defiantly. 

For a moment, Julius was impressed by her audacity; this was the same woman who had captivated him on stage. Yet, he couldn’t help but view her boldness as a form of recklessness. She fluctuated between being timid and fearless, which both puzzled and entertained him.



Rufus, who worked for Julius, handed Judy a pen. She accepted it and began to pull out the contract from the envelope. Just as she was about to sign it, Julius interjected, placing his hand firmly over the document. "Read it," he commanded, his deep voice making it impossible for Judy to disobey. 



As she scanned the terms, her expression shifted to one of disbelief. Julius observed her reaction, a sly smirk creeping onto his lips. "So, deal or no deal?" he prompted her once she finished reading. 



"Can these terms be edited a little?" Judy asked, desperation creeping into her voice. "No!" came Julius's curt response. He watched her shoulders slump in defeat, the courage she had previously displayed now evaporated. It was evident that she was grappling with the weight of the decision she was about to make, and Julius felt a mix of satisfaction and intrigue at her vulnerability. 



The dynamic between them had shifted once again—what started as a negotiation filled with resolve was now clouded by uncertainty and apprehension. Judy had shown her determination, but now it was clear that the reality of the contract was more daunting than she had anticipated. Julius's demeanor remained unwavering, suggesting that he held the upper hand in this transaction, leaving Judy to navigate the complexities of her choice amidst his imposing presence.