Chapter 231

Celine noticed the desire in Adam's eyes; even the corners of his narrowed eyes were red. He froze and looked up at her.

Celine pointed toward the door. "Mr. Alvarez, you'll have to coax Ms. Barnett back."

The quick-witted Adam immediately understood her implication: Celine wasn't genuinely trying to seduce him; she was merely acting. The lust in his eyes faded instantly, replaced by clarity. He looked at her coldly. "Get off me now!"

Celine didn't hesitate. Adam stood and walked toward the floor-to-ceiling windows, cursing her inwardly. "Go ahead. What do you want from me?"

"Mr. Alvarez, Robin didn't cut Ms. Barnett's wire. She's being wrongfully accused. I hope you can show mercy and release her," Celine explained.

Adam hadn't paid attention to Nikki's fall and didn't know it involved Robin. Leo had called for his approval, and he'd let Nikki handle it. It seemed Celine had come for her best friend.

Adam turned, smirking. "Celine, are you begging me?"

Celine's heart pounded. For Robin's sake, she humbled herself. "Yes, Mr. Alvarez. I'm begging you."

He responded bluntly, "To beg requires sincerity. Have you considered what you'll offer in return?"

His words made Celine stiffen. Adam's gaze moved over her slender figure. He said teasingly, "It looks like you haven't figured it out. Come back when you know what you can offer." He turned to leave.

Celine grabbed his sleeve. "Mr. Alvarez."

He stopped. "Celine, I'm not a philanthropist. Why would I help your friend? Honestly, I want nothing from you except your body." He'd visited her in the hospital that night, but she'd refused him. Now, he wanted to see if she'd changed her mind. Celine clenched her fingers. She didn't understand him. She'd already slept with him, yet he'd found her dull and uninteresting. She couldn't understand his current request. Did he long to touch her again?

"Mr. Alvarez, aren't you afraid Carly and Ms. Barnett will find out?"

Adam showed no emotion. "This is our secret. Isn't that what you said before? I help you, and you repay me. That's the game you set up."

Celine fell silent, slowly releasing his sleeve. "Think it over. When you've figured it out, come find me," he said before leaving.

Since Adam refused to help, Celine went to the police station to visit Robin.

"Ms. Tate, we can't see Ms. Smith anymore," Joshua informed her.

Celine was stunned. "Why?"

Joshua's expression grew serious. "Mr. Alvarez just ordered that we not allow visits with Ms. Smith."

Celine was taken aback by Adam's ruthlessness, forcing her into such a difficult situation. Robin was locked up alone, and Celine had no idea how she was doing. Tears welled up in her eyes. She didn't want to make a deal with Adam, but his overwhelming pressure left her helpless. "Ms. Tate, what should we do now?"