Ms. Barton, Mr. Davies is looking for you

Upon hearing Alla mention her ability to secure the project, Billie's interest was instantly piqued. The project he coveted was due to commence bidding next month, and the patriarch had given his word: If he could seize this opportunity, the heir's seat would be his. However, the competition was stiff, the opponent being the Osborne Corporation from H City—an entity that held a prominent position in the domestic industry. Defeating Osborne Corporation in their own field was a daunting task, prompting him to consider currying favor with Casiano to win the project. But dealing with Casiano proved to be a challenging endeavor.

Had it not been for Eric's intervention, he wouldn't have even secured an audience with Casiano. Thus the idea of winning the project by pleasing Casiano seemed an insurmountable task. If Alla could help him secure this project, it would be an optimal outcome, however...

Somewhat perplexed, he inquired of Alla, "If you have something on Casiano, why not use it to blackmail him into giving you a higher position?" Alla hastily retorted, "Who says I haven't? I've blackmailed him, told him I wanted to be his girlfriend, but he refused." Billie squinted at her, "If he has already refused your demand, blackmailing him further won't work." Alla solemnly vowed, "If he refuses this time, I will send the video to Ms. Reed."

Billie raised an eyebrow, "You suggested this to keep me away from you, didn't you?" "Precisely," she admitted unabashedly, "As I've told you before, I can not be physically intimate with someone I don't love. If I loved someone, I would naturally take the initiative, as I did with Mr. Davies. But since you're in a rush and I don't want to sleep with you, I can only help you with the project."

Billie had thought that after revealing her true intentions, she'd choose to justify herself. However, her straightforward admission somehow cast her in a new light in his eyes. Her shrewd persuasion a few days ago had impressed him, but today her audacity commanded his respect. He'd assumed that Alla had little interest in wealth and power. Yet, it turned out that the man she was interested in was the heir to Davies Corporation. No wonder she had little interest in him—her ambitions were set on loftier goals. Whether it was her intellect, ambition, tactics, or ability to maneuver and mediate, this woman was astoundingly cunning. He thought that perhaps entrusting her might actually lead to the acquisition of the project, however...

Billie suddenly grabbed Alla by the chin, forcing her to look at him, "If you mess this up, I'll have my men take turns with your best friend." He knew that Margaret was Alla's Achilles' heel. As long as Margaret was around, Alla would always be subservient to him. Alla's heart pounded with rage, trembling as she gritted her teeth and responded, "You just watch."

Billie finally let her go, expressing some regret, "I originally wanted to sleep with you first, then take you out for some excitement. But since you're so resistant now, we'll leave it for later. Once you've secured the project, we can take our time to develop our relationship..." He was more interested in the position of heir to Roman Corporation than in women. If Alla could secure the project, he was willing to wait until she fell for him before touching her. Knowing that Alla would eventually be his, Billie didn't feel so reluctant to let her go. He gave her a passionate kiss before reluctantly leaving.

Upon his departure, Alla, who had been lying on the ground, finally let out a deep breath of relief. She leaned against the sofa, slowly standing up, her body trembling and cold. Whether it was fear of Billie or anger towards Casiano, her heart was on the verge of suffocating. Trembling, she pulled out her medication and took several pills to calm her racing heart before she could muster the strength to leave.

It was in the middle of winter, and the cold wind, heavy as lead, seeped through her dress, causing her to shiver. She felt nothing, and like a statue, she trudged towards home. Suddenly, a Koenigsegg parked nearby drove up and blocked her path. Sam exited the car, approached Alla, and respectfully said, "Ms. Barton, Mr. Davies is looking for you." Alla, as if she had not heard him, continued to walk forward with a cold face. Sam had no choice but to stop her, "Ms. Barton, you know Mr. Davies's temper. He's not someone to be offended."

Indeed, as an orphan with nothing, how could she afford to offend someone as powerful as Casiano? The outcomeof disregarding his words would inevitably be more dire than dealing with Billie. Alla ceased her futile struggle and obediently entered the car.

Once seated, she glanced at the man in the back seat. He was clad in an expensive suit, sporting a wristwatch worth millions, and seated in a limited-edition luxury car, exuding an unparalleled sense of nobility. And she, drenched in red wine, sticky and unpleasant, appeared as a jesting clown in his presence. Such a stark contrast in their status made Alla eager to escape.

With coldness in her voice, she asked, "Mr. Davies, if you have something to say, say it quickly. I need to get home." She had always been obedient and charming in his presence, seldom addressing him in such a tone. Casiano turned his head slightly, his deep, gloomy eyes possessing an unsettling intensity that made her tremble. Alla instinctively averted her gaze, but he suddenly leaned closer...