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Novel Catalog
Chapter 3
Elizabeth turned, her severe expression instantly softening into a pleasant smile as she approached Veronica. “You’re Veronica, right?”
Veronica had no affection for Matthew, and she certainly didn’t feel anything for Elizabeth. However, she responded out of politeness. “What can I do for you, madam?”
Elizabeth’s smile widened, her eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement. “Your looks are average, but you certainly have a silver tongue.”
Veronica had fair skin by nature, but she went out of her way to alter her appearance. She darkened her complexion, thickened her eyebrows with makeup, and added freckles to her face to make herself appear plain at first glance.
Elizabeth took Veronica’s hand gently, her voice softening. “My dear, I’m getting old, and all I want is a great-grandson. I’ve looked into your background. I know your parents are hospitalized, and you work part-time to support your family. You’re a good girl, and if you’re willing to bear a child for the Kings family, I’ll agree to whatever terms you wish.”
Veronica recoiled, jerking her hand away as if struck by an electric shock. “No, no, no, madam. I understand you want a great-grandson, but this is your family’s issue, not mine. I have nothing to do with it.”
Her mind raced. Is she seriously suggesting that I carry a child for the Kings family just because I slept with Matthew? What does that make me?
Meanwhile, Tiffany had arrived at Hilton Restaurant, though she waited for half an hour before Matthew finally showed up.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” he said smoothly as he entered, dressed in a sleek black shirt and a silvery-gray striped suit. His striking features were enough to turn heads, and even though his lips barely curled into a smile, the charm he exuded left Tiffany’s heart fluttering.
She had seen Matthew on TV before, but in person, he carried himself like a nobleman, with broad shoulders and a slender frame that radiated an almost regal air. Yet, there was a coldness to him that would make anyone keep their distance.
Trying to steady her nerves, Tiffany stood up, nodding with courtesy. “It’s okay, Young Master Matthew. You’re punctual—I’m the one who arrived early.”
Matthew gave her a quick glance before looking away. “What would you like to eat?”
Tiffany was dressed in a delicate Dior dress and accessorized with Gucci’s limited-edition earrings and necklace, looking every bit the glamorous heiress. But Matthew, accustomed to the beauty of high-society women, found her “materialistic” appearance shallow.
“Feel free to order whatever you want, Young Master Matthew. I’m fine with anything.”
Matthew barely acknowledged her, pressing the call button on the table. A waiter entered, and Matthew ordered two servings of the restaurant’s most expensive lunch set, along with a bottle of red wine.
Leaning back casually in his chair, he fixed Tiffany with a penetrating gaze. “Since you’re the daughter of the Floch Group’s owner, why were you in the suburbs that day?”
Tiffany’s heart skipped a beat. She clenched her fists, forcing a bitter smile. “To be honest, I was doing food delivery. My dad wanted me to experience the world firsthand—to see if I could handle hardships before deciding whether I can take over his company.”
She had prepared this response long ago. When Matthew had asked to meet her a week earlier, she had told her parents everything. Anticipating his questions, they had checked surveillance footage of the car accident, confirming that Veronica had taken Matthew to the hospital. To avoid suspicion, Tiffany had even spent a week doing food deliveries, enduring the hardships to make her story believable.
Matthew seemed to approve of her father’s approach. “Your dad’s idea makes sense. It’s good to see the world.”
“Yeah, I think so too,” Tiffany replied, still uneasy.
Then Matthew did something unexpected. “Give me your bank account number. I’ll have 100 million wired to you tomorrow.”
Tiffany blinked, confused. “What? Why?”
“You risked your life to save me that day,” Matthew said, his tone suddenly serious. “This is your compensation.”