CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: THE RIGHT PRICE...

The smell of coffee hugs me as I enter the room and immediately ushered to the balcony.

"Good morning, Ms. Winters. Please, have a seat." Sitting opposite the woman before me, I thank the server as he pours me a cup of what smells like green tea.

"Good morning, Ms. Manning. To what do I owe the pleasure of this invitation?" I eye her over the brim of my cup as she closes her newspaper meeting my gaze.

"Hmm. You look more like your mother every time I see you dear."

"Are you saying I'm beautiful or naive?" She chuckles into her hand before signaling to the server behind me.

"You are anything but a naive child."

"Thank you for the compliment, ma'am." Breakfast is placed in front of us and she starts eating, motioning for me to join. We eat in silence and once we're finished, the table is cleared before her assistant places a folder in front of me.

"What is this?" I frown at her and she smiles. If I didn't know she was a snake I'd definitely fall for those charms. Opening the folder, I read through the contract. Sighing I close the folder, meeting her gaze.

"That my dear, is my proposition for you and your Winter Project."

"I thought you already made it clear that you wouldn't be investing in my 'little game', as you called it?"

"Hmm. Indeed, I did."

"Then what changed?" I arch my brow quizzically and she smiles - but it doesn't reach her eyes.

"I hear you've got Price in your pocket. Is that true?"

"I struggle to see how that's any of your concern Ms. Manning. If I remember correctly, I came to you first, but you turned me down to build the old man's… what was it... fiftieth summer home? Why the change of heart?"

"I believe Ms. Manning realized she made a mistake Ms. Winters." Turning to the sudden voice I'm met with Price's calm gaze.

"Mr. Price, why..."

"I happened to be in the area. My assistant also happened to see you enter here, so I came to make sure the young master wasn't being bullied by the old lady." Yeah, right he's here by coincidence. He winks at me as I study him, causing him to roll his eyes. Damn this cunning man.

"Don't worry, Ms. Manning has treated me well."

"If you don't mind Ms. Manning, the young master has an important competition she must get back to so I will be taking her." I look to the woman sitting across from me and smirk inwardly at the visible tension in her brows. I suppose this bastard is good for something after all. Taking his outstretched hand, I excuse myself and leave. This is definitely fathers doing. He knows I respect her because she was close to my mother. How dare he use her to get to me! He must've offered her something shiny. Sighing, I follow Price to the elevator. As we're entering, he tells his assistant to take the other and the doors close.

"Would you have signed her contract?"

"Why would I waste ink when I've already signed with you?" He laughs, pressing the button for the restaurant level.

"You're as sharp as ever Ms. Winters."

"One has to be when dealing with the likes of you Mr. Price." He laughs again, straightening his tie.

"Indeed, one does. Impress me again in the finals, Young Master, I won't be able to stay but I have people keeping an eye on you."

"Don't I feel special." I roll my eyes and he moves closer to me. Moving away I bump into the elevator wall, his hand placed on the wall beside my face.

"You should. I'm not that easily impressed by anyone." As the door opens, he steps away and we exit. The adjacent door opens and his assistant steps out. Turning, he heads to the VIP private room but his assistant stays behind.

"Ms. Winters?" Turning towards her, I'm presented with an envelope. Taking it from her, she bows and heads after him without waiting for me to open it. Smiling, I head to the table shared by everyone and sigh as I realize the only seat available is next to Myles. The sly bastard must've kept it empty on purpose. Circling everyone, I hand the envelope to Yuzuki and sit down, taking a couple doughnuts from the tray. He opens the envelope, taking out the papers and reading through them. His eyes shoot up moments later and he stares at me before handing it Jon who practically chokes on the food already in his mouth. Everyone studies him for a while before returning to their own food. Looking up I catch Yuzuki's eye and he smiles brightly before winking causing me to choke on my doughnut. I glare at him and he grins. Rolling my eyes, I put my headphones on and wait for the backstage assistant to notify us of our start time.

"... hey." Jay taps my shoulder as the assistant finally arrives and starts calling out everyone from the different schools. Getting up, we follow him to the auditorium and find our section backstage.

"Well guys, this is our last day so let's win this thing?" Jon puts his hand out and we all stare at him.

"Really. You really want us to do that?"

"Yes. So, get your asses in a circle or I won't say yes to us going shopping and shit later." At his threat they all get up and form the circle, I sigh and join in. We do his shitty chant and make our way on stage, but I'm stopped by Yuzuki holding my wrist.

"Headphones." He points to my ears and I realize I'm still wearing them. Smiling sheepishly, I take them off and hand them to him.

"Don't go through my phone or I'll beat you up." I scowl and he grins at me boyishly.

"What if it rings?" He grins and I roll my eyes at him.

"I will fight you, Sensei." He looks down at my screen and his brows arch.

"Really Atlas?"

"Don't. Even." He laughs and I turn to leave.

"You traitor! How dare you listen to K-Pop in my presence?!" I smile and get on stage throwing one last glance his way. This man is too annoying. But I like it.