Chapter 331: What’s the Price for a Night?
I was still thinking about the Carlyns when Carter’s demeanor abruptly shifted. His expression hardened into his usual icy calm, exuding a quiet intensity that made my skin prickle. It had been some time since I’d seen him like this.
Quickly, I stood and looped my arm around his neck, trying to ease the tension. “I like mature, steady men like you, Carter. Whether you’re brooding or cheerful, my feelings don’t change. You’re the only one I care about.”
A flicker of warmth softened his features, and I felt myself relax. Carter had grown up in an environment devoid of love, leaving him with deep insecurities. He was always afraid I’d leave, or that my feelings might waver. I understood that fear. That was a wound in his heart, one that couldn’t heal overnight. He had waited years for me, and I was determined to spend my life showing him he was worth it. I wanted him to know I loved him for who he was—not out of obligation or pity, but because he truly captivated me.
Seeming to realize he’d been too harsh, Carter pulled me into his arms. “Sorry if I scared you earlier,” he said gently. I nestled against his chest. “I told you, I like every side of you—even when you’re being tough. It’s charming.”
He smirked and flicked my nose lightly. “Such sweet talk. Does your stomach still hurt?”
“It’s awful,” I teased. “I think you should give me a massage, Honey.”
He looked at me in surprise. “What did you just call me?”
I grinned. “Honey. We’re married, so I get to call you that!”
Carter tilted my chin up and kissed me. “Chloe, you’re playing with fire.”
Eventually, we pulled apart, both slightly breathless. He stepped back reluctantly. “I’ll check on the kitchen and make you some lemon tea. Stay put.”
As I touched my flushed cheeks, I couldn’t help but smile. He was such a thoughtful and caring man. I used to think periods were just a hassle, especially during busy days when I couldn’t avoid cold drinks. Luke often acted like an immature child, oblivious to things I didn’t bring up. Personally, I never saw the need to make a fuss over certain matters. I believed most problems could be endured until they passed.
However, this time, during my first period since returning to this life, Carter went out of his way to make lemon tea for me and even prepared a heat pack for my cramps. He even insisted I take an entire week off to recover before heading back to university. Honestly, my attendance at university wasn’t a big deal. That day, I had only gone to familiarize myself with the campus. Considering Carter had donated a building there, obtaining my graduate certificate wasn’t going to be a challenge. Since he cared so much, I chose to accept his kindness without resistance.
After two days of rest at home, I finally felt well enough on the third day to accompany Carter to the Bolton Group. Following a series of setbacks at the Boltons, Luke stopped wallowing and began cooperating with his treatment. Meanwhile, Adam, who had lost both his wife and son, was completely broken. The entire weight of the Boltons’ business now rested on Carter’s shoulders. Because I was familiar with how the company operated, I decided to assist him where I could to ease his burden.
Toward the end of the workday, I received a message from Yael. “Zoey, there’s a class gathering tonight. If you’re feeling better, come join us. I’ll send you the location.”
“Okay, I’ll be there,” I replied, though I wasn’t particularly interested in seeing my classmates. My real motivation was to get to know Yael better. After ending the call, I informed Carter, “I have a class dinner tonight, so I’ll be heading out.”
“I’ll pick you up when it’s over,” he offered.
Later, the driver dropped me off at the hotel at the agreed time. From the hallway, I could hear chatter and laughter spilling out of the private room. Inside, a few girls were fawning over Sadie.
“Sadie, I’m so jealous! Not only are you the heiress of a multinational corporation, but you’re also engaged to a wealthy man. I even heard you donated a building to the university! You’re so beautiful and generous.”
“Exactly! Both you and Zoey have the last name Gardner, but why is she so arrogant? She barely attended a day of class before disappearing. What’s her deal?”
“Sadie, didn’t you transfer from the same university as her? You must know her past.”
Sadie’s tone was smug as she replied, “Zoey? She didn’t show up to classes much before either. Looks like she hasn’t changed.”
Someone said, “I saw her getting out of a fancy car the other day. Perhaps someone is sponsoring her lifestyle?”
“With a body like Zoey’s, if I were loaded, I’d pay to spend a night with her.”
The room erupted into mocking laughter. I hadn’t expected that in the short time I’d been away, Sadie would stir up so much trouble. Bill had already cut her off completely. He froze her accounts, stripped her of all her privileges, and went back to his home country to file for divorce with my mom. While he left with some dignity intact, he allowed Sadie to save a bit of pride. Yet here she was, still parading around as if she were the Gardners’ heiress while tarnishing my name.
I walked into the room, locking eyes with the guy who commented. A sly smile played on my lips as I asked, “So, how much would you pay for my time?”
The room fell silent, caught off guard by my sudden appearance. Some looked away in awkwardness, while others smirked with ill intent.
“So, Zoey, is it true? Are you selling yourself now? How much do you charge for a night?”
“Wow, shameless enough to advertise in public, huh?”
Before I could respond, Yael stepped in. “What nonsense are you guys spouting? Zoey was just feeling unwell and took a few days off to rest.”
“But she admitted it herself…”
“Let’s drop it,” Yael said firmly. “Zoey just transferred here, and we’re all classmates. Shouldn’t we get…”
Thanks to Yael, the conversation shifted. Still, it was clear Sadie had already turned most of the group against me. None of the girls wanted to sit near me. Without hesitation, I took the seat next to Yael after he motioned for me to join him. Handing me the menu, he said, “We’ve already placed our orders, but feel free to add anything. The bill’s being split evenly anyway.”
I glanced at Sadie, my smile sharp. “Split evenly? Isn’t Sadie a rich heiress from a multinational corporation? Surely she wouldn’t mind treating us.”
Sadie stiffened, visibly uncomfortable. Ashley, who had no idea she’d been cut off by the Gardners, likely assumed Bill’s anger was temporary. He didn’t realize her lavish lifestyle was nothing but a façade now. With his engagement plans ruined and his standing with the Hudsons in decline, Ashley wasn’t faring much better himself. But Sadie had already bragged to everyone, leaving her no choice but to agree. A strained smile crossed her face. “O-of course. It’s no problem.”
She likely assumed it’d cost her a manageable amount—just a few thousand, maybe tens of thousands. She probably planned to use Ashley’s credit card to cover it.
I smirked. Some people never learn. Even after being outmaneuvered by me once before, Sadie was walking right into another…
I started ordering extravagantly. For each classmate, I added abalone dishes costing thousands and desserts priced in the hundreds. Those two items alone ran up the bill to tens of thousands. In the past, Sadie would’ve handled such costs without flinching. Now, though, her unease was becoming more and more evident. That was the result after she boasted and talked big.
I smirked. “Sadie, we can’t skip on the wine. How about a bottle of Romanee-Conti? It may not be particularly aged, but it’s still the best option here—anything else might not match your status.”
Sadie’s face went pale as she glanced at the price—nearly 30,000 a bottle. She said, “Maybe we should go with white wine instead…”
I cut her off smoothly. “Perfect. Let’s start with ten bottles of red and two bottles of Chardonnay. If we need more, we’ll order more.”
“Zoey, you—”
Leaning casually on one hand, I smiled at her. “What’s the matter? Don’t tell me that the heiress of a multinational corporation can’t even handle a dinner bill worth…”