Skip to content
Novel Catalog
Chapter 4
“No, it’s really not necessary.” Tiffany’s response was polite, though the reward of 100 million was tempting. In truth, her interest lay in Matthew, not the money. She smiled gently, trying to downplay the offer. “Even if it were someone else in danger that day, I would’ve saved them too. No one would stand by and do nothing in that kind of situation.”
Matthew leaned back slightly, his expression unreadable. “If you don’t want the compensation, you can have your father contact my personal secretary. I’ll give the Floch Group preference for any upcoming projects of mine.”
The Floch Group was Tiffany’s father’s company. She offered a polite smile, her tone graceful. “Thank you for your generosity, Young Master Matthew, but it really isn’t necessary.”
Just as she finished speaking, Matthew’s phone rang.
“Excuse me,” he murmured, answering the call. It was Thomas, his personal secretary.
“What’s the matter?” Matthew asked, his voice low but firm.
“Apologies, Young Master Matthew, but I wasn’t able to carry out your instructions,” Thomas replied. “Old Mrs. Kings has taken Miss Murphy back to the Kings Residence.”
Matthew’s brow furrowed. “Why would Grandma be involved all of a sudden?”
“I’m not sure either,” Thomas responded, his voice tinged with confusion. “But it seems like she wants you to marry Miss Murphy.”
Matthew frowned at the news, his voice cold. “That’s wishful thinking.”
He ended the call and stared at his phone, deep in thought. Tiffany, sitting across from him, couldn’t help but be captivated by the intensity of his expression. Her heart raced at the sight of him. It took her a moment to regain composure.
Before she could settle her nerves, she remembered Rachel’s advice—play hard to get, make him curious. She took a breath, keeping her tone light and innocent. “Young Master Matthew, I’m relieved to see that you’re safe and sound.”
“Pleased?”
“Yes,” Tiffany nodded, her expression softening. “Whenever I help someone, I always feel a little pleased.” She paused, giving him an almost shy smile. “I’ve helped others many times before.”
Tiffany was known as the epitome of beauty and talent in Bloomstead’s elite circles. While her family, the Larson family, wasn’t one of the wealthiest in the city, Tiffany’s allure had brought plenty of business to the Floch Group.
Just then, the waiter arrived, bringing in their meals. Tiffany seized the opportunity to steer the conversation. “Let’s eat, Young Master Matthew. I’m sorry, but I have to leave by 1:30 PM. I’m scheduled to visit the orphanage on the outskirts. If I’m late, the children will be disappointed.”
In reality, her parents had always pushed her to perfect her image, including forcing her into charity work. But today, she only mentioned the orphanage to appear even more virtuous in Matthew’s eyes, all part of her game to maintain his interest.
Matthew, however, couldn’t shake the feeling that Tiffany was more complicated than she let on.
As he thought about the conversation with Thomas, he suddenly asked, “Miss Larson, since you’re so committed to helping others, I wonder if you could help me with something.”
Tiffany’s heart skipped a beat, her excitement rising. This is it! Her efforts to play hard to get seemed to be working. “What do you mean?”
“Could you pretend to be my girlfriend?” Matthew’s voice was calm, as though it was the most ordinary request.
Tiffany blinked, stunned. “Girlfriend?”
Her heart raced as she tried to compose herself. What?! Is he really asking me to be his girlfriend? She placed her fork and knife down, trying to hide the rush of emotions. “What do you mean, Young Master Matthew?”
Matthew met her gaze, his expression indifferent. “My family has arranged a marriage for me, but I’m not interested. I want you to pretend to be my girlfriend for a while. Afterward, you can ask for whatever you want.”
Tiffany’s mind raced. Why me? She masked her excitement with feigned composure. “Why me?”
Matthew glanced at her, his tone indifferent. “You can turn me down if you want.”
Tiffany hesitated, her pulse quickening. But in the end, her ambition got the better of her. This is my chance to be close to him.
“Well, now that you’ve said it, Young Master Matthew, how can I turn you down?” Her words were careful, but her eyes betrayed her excitement.
Matthew couldn’t help but smirk to himself as he watched her react. As expected, he thought. She’s no different from the rest of them, eager to throw herself at me. He wondered whether Tiffany had truly saved him that day out of kindness, or if it had all been part of a well-thought-out plan.
