Chapter 11
421words
He turned to study me, curiosity in his eyes. "You're different today."
My heart skipped. "Am I? I just want to understand your world better."
He didn't press further, simply closing his eyes again.
I continued working on his legs, but couldn't resist trying my new ability.
"Use Mind Reading," I commanded silently.
A strange tingling sensation washed over me.
Looking at Ethan, I suddenly heard his thoughts as clearly as spoken words.
[This woman is intriguing. Not as vapid as her sister.]
I was so startled my hands faltered, nearly shoving him over.
So this was mind reading?
He actually found me "intriguing"? And he was comparing me to Jade?
[Jade Sullivan—throwing away everything for some penniless nobody. Pathetic.]
His harsh judgment of my sister made me wince internally.
[Eve isn't entirely useless though. Her performance at the estate was… impressive.]
I fought to keep my expression neutral, though my lips twitched.
"Impressive," huh?
Such high praise from the great Ethan Holt.
[Was she serious about helping with the business? Or just trying to score points?]
His uncertainty made something warm bloom in my chest.
So he was actually considering my offer.
I let the mind reading fade and continued working on his legs, my thoughts racing.
Maybe I really could help him.
Maybe I could use this bizarre system to help us both.
My mission was to lower his Villain Meter and prevent him from becoming a monster.
Bedtime stories and awkward massages wouldn't be enough.
I needed to become part of his world, help solve his problems, and make him feel something beyond contempt.
The next morning, I sought Ethan out before he could disappear into his study.
"I want to help you at the company," I said without preamble.
He paused, fork halfway to his mouth.
"You want to come to the office?" His gaze sharpened.
"Yes." I met his eyes squarely. "I didn't marry you to be a trophy wife. I studied business management in college. I can be useful."
Ethan set down his silverware, studying me intently.
"Are you certain?"
"Absolutely," I replied without hesitation.
He was quiet for a moment before his lips curved into something almost like a smile.
"Fine. But Holt Corporation isn't some small family business. The corporate world is cutthroat. Be prepared."
"I will be," I promised.
[Ding! Affection Points from target +15! Current Affection Points: -25!]
[Ding! Target's Villain Meter decreased by 5%! Current Villain Meter: 64%!]
