Nathan had arrived in a hurry and left looking utterly defeated — just as arrogant as he'd been when he entered, he was just as humiliated when he walked out.
As Jason and Victoria stepped out of the conference room, they walked side by side. At nearly 5'9" and in heels, Victoria stood eye to eye with him, her presence commanding as ever.
Victoria turned slightly, her sharp eyes studying Jason. "Mr. Carter, you might actually need that capital soon. Are you truly not worried about Nathan's threats?"
There was a glint of curiosity in her voice — and a hint of admiration. Jason Carter was several years younger than her, barely in his twenties, yet his aura was calm, unshakable. Men twice his age often fumbled under Victoria's pressure, but this one met her gaze with quiet composure.
Jason chuckled softly. "Why would I be afraid? I've got Miss Victoria backing me. With you on my side, I'm untouchable."
He didn't bother explaining further — there was no point mentioning that he didn't actually need the money. The only reason he was taking on bank loans was to maintain liquidity and let others feel involved. If push came to shove, he could fund the entirer Bay project out of pocket.
Victoria gave him a sidelong glance and smiled faintly. She didn't believe his words for a second. It was obvious Jason wasn't calm because of her — he simply didn't take Nathan or his threats seriously at all.
When the two returned to the banquet hall, no one had the faintest clue what had just happened. They'd only been gone for a few minutes; most assumed they'd stepped out for some air.
Still, the more observant guests noticed something different — Jason and Victoria seemed subtly closer, their chemistry easier, as though some quiet understanding had been reached.
The rest of the negotiations went smoothly. Signing contracts, merging resources — these were merely formalities now.
After everything was finalized, Jason only needed to oversee the broad strokes. The daily operations, the finer details — his team would handle all that.
When he finally left the Hilton Grand Ballroom and got into his newly purchased Mercedes-Maybach S680, Jason sank into the back seat, closed his eyes, and exhaled. The past few days had been relentless — planning, executing, outmaneuvering — and now, for the first time, he could rest.
"Jason, let me help you relax," said Mia softly as she slid into the seat beside him.
Seeing the exhaustion on his face, she gently guided his head to rest against her chest and began massaging his temples with delicate, practiced fingers. Her movements were slow and attentive, the way a devoted personal assistant from a bygone era might tend to her master.
Her care came from two places. First, Jason had changed her life — solved problems that had haunted her for years — and she was deeply grateful. Second, she knew how hard he'd been working, largely for her sake, and it made her heart ache a little.
Jason murmured lazily, rubbing his cheek slightly against her: "Mia, you're… surprisingly comfortable."
Her face turned crimson. Mia had spent most of her youth dealing with her father's debts and later focused entirely on her business. Intimacy wasn't something she'd experienced much of — and Jason's teasing, even when gentle, flustered her completely.
"You're impossible," she whispered, half-scolding, half-laughing.
But she didn't pull away. Instead, she cradled his head more firmly against her and continued massaging, her touch feather-light yet warm. Despite not being trained, the sincerity and care in her fingertips were more relaxing than any professional's work.
The driver up front was long used to such scenes, and Olivia, sitting in the passenger seat, only smiled faintly. Her boss was remarkable in every way — except for one flaw: he was far too popular with women. Still, she didn't think it was a problem. A man of Jason's stature was bound to attract many women, and at least he wasn't the kind to lie or manipulate them.
The car finally rolled to a stop in front of, Villa No. 6. Mia stepped out and looked up at the towering modern villa — elegant architecture, sweeping glass, and warm golden lights. She wasn't surprised; if Jason didn't live in luxury, that would've been strange.
Falling into step beside Olivia, Mia lowered her voice. "Miss Olivia, can I ask you something?"
Olivia smiled knowingly. "Of course."
Mia hesitated for a moment before continuing, "What exactly has Jason been doing these past few days? How did the Bay project suddenly get such massive policy backing? And why did the Rick and his father — both of them — come all the way to apologize in person?"
Olivia glanced at Mia and said, "It's simple. Mr. Carter first spent 1.66 billion dollars to acquire…"
By the time she finished explaining, Mia stood frozen in shock. She had never fully understood Jason's grand plan — how every move he made was part of a larger web of influence and strategy. To her, it had all seemed like Jason was simply trying to help her deal with the Yates brothers.
In other words, Jason had spent 1.66 billion for her — and not only that, he had been working day and night, mentally and physically drained, all to protect and support her.
Her heart trembled with emotion. For the first time in years, someone had treated her with such devotion — someone far beyond the idealized image of a "Prince Charming."
Mia: Favorability +4
"Mia's favorability has exceeded 90. Status bar updated."
Name: Mia
Age: 20
Appearance: 8.9
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 110 lbs
Favorability: 87 → 91
Ex-boyfriends: None
STDs: None
Opportunity: Detects potential life opportunities nearby to ensure none are missed. Alerts immediately upon detection to help her build a perfect life.
Without even thinking, Mia stepped closer and wrapped her arm around Jason's, clinging to him gently.
Jason smiled faintly, looking at her. "Mia, what do you think of this place?"
Mia, still overwhelmed with gratitude, answered without hesitation, "It's beautiful."
"Then it's yours," Jason said casually. "From now on, you're the lady of this house."
Mia's eyes widened. She didn't protest — in her heart, she had already accepted herself as his woman — but she knew how expensive this villa was. It was easily worth tens of millions, which only showed how much Jason cherished her.
Mia: Favorability +1
"You're too good to me," she whispered softly, her eyes filled with warmth that could melt steel.
Then, she rose slightly on her toes and pressed her lips gently against his.
Olivia, ever perceptive, gave a small knowing nod and discreetly gestured for the housemaids to leave the room.
Later, catching her breath, Mia smiled shyly and murmured, "Jason… I'm going to take a quick shower."
Jason chuckled. "No need — you smell amazing."
Blushing furiously, she replied, "I still want to. I've been running around all day; I feel sweaty and gross."
Jason grinned. "Then let's save time — we can shower together. Think of the water bill."
Mia laughed lightly. "You've spent billions these past few days, and now you're worried about water bills? You're impossible! Just give me a minute."
Jason opened the wardrobe and took out a delicate silk chemise — handwoven, shimmering faintly under the lights. "Then wear this afterward."
Mia's cheeks turned crimson again. "You're so bad, Jason!"
Still blushing, she snatched it from his hand and hurried into the bathroom.
Jason laughed under his breath. "A minute ago I was 'too good,' now I'm 'bad.' So which is it?"
"You're bad! Bad, bad, bad!" her teasing voice called back from the bathroom, playful and sweet.
Jason took a quick shower in the guest bathroom. When Mia finally emerged, wearing the soft silk chemise, she looked like a dream — fresh from the water, her skin glowing, every movement graceful and light.
Jason didn't say a word — he simply pulled her close and held her tightly.
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