Chapter 111

Winnie suddenly felt that, in this man who usually remained calm, there seemed to be a subtle, almost imperceptible emotion hidden in his words. "Mr. Marlowe, did you ever have a horse?" she asked softly. Van smiled slightly. "I did. It was called 'Black Shadow,' all black, with a small white mark on its forehead. It was a gift for my sixth birthday." The rest didn't need to be asked. Winnie lowered her head, her eyes dimming. She felt the night breeze and the scent of the grass, sensing that the pony had already grown accustomed to the environment here—just like it was in its home in England. Van leaned slightly forward and pulled her into his arms. "I'm giving you a gift, so why are you getting sentimental?" Winnie felt a wave of warmth near her ear as he gently rubbed her ear. "Do you want to go back, or stay?" he asked. For her, that question seemed almost impossible to answer. "Go back," Winnie answered softly. "The car and driver are gone. Looks like you'll have to stay," Van said with a light laugh. Startled, Winnie looked up at him, as if she understood something. Van lowered his head and kissed her eyelashes lightly. "Stay." Eric had already prepared a guest room upstairs. Van gracefully escorted her to the room. "Get some rest." However, despite saying that, he didn't leave immediately. He continued to hold her hand, gently rubbing her cool fingertips, then sat on the end of the bed and pulled her into his embrace. Winnie snuggled against him, feeling the warmth and depth of his gaze. Van reached out, gently unfastening the pink diamond necklace around her neck. As the necklace fell, the diamonds slipped like stars, quietly disappearing into her skirt. He skillfully undid the buttons on her back. The dress had been meticulously designed, with buttons so numerous that each one, as it came undone, seemed to ease the pressure on her chest. Winnie closed her eyes and took a deep breath, feeling as though she were a fragile pearl in his arms. Van noticed her mood and gently tightened his hold on her. "Don't push yourself." "I'm not..." Winnie murmured softly. "It's okay," Van interrupted her, speaking gently. "If you're feeling down, we can talk about it next time." Winnie gripped the blanket tightly, stood up, and looked at Van, who had stepped back slightly. Doubts still lingered in her heart. "Mr. Marlowe..." she called his name softly. Van turned slightly, his voice gentle. "Get some rest. Give the necklace to Eric; he'll take care of it." "Did I disturb you?" Winnie couldn't help but ask. Seeing him stop, she slowly asked, "Is that the case?" Van didn't answer immediately. Instead, he took the last cigarette from his pocket, gently tapped it, and then lowered his head slowly. "I told you before, happiness requires both talent and mutual understanding. We'll talk when you're ready." "I'm ready, but not today," Winnie whispered. Van lit the cigarette, took a drag, squinted, and asked, "Not feeling well?" "No," Winnie shook her head and hesitated. "I... I want to borrow some money from you. But I'm unsure whether I should borrow it first or take care of something else first." Her face flushed with embarrassment as she spoke. Van was slightly stunned, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "How much?" he asked. "100 million," she paused briefly, "I want to borrow 70 million upfront, and then 30 million more." Van raised an eyebrow and walked toward her. "What do you need so much money for?" "To buy my freedom." Eric had just finished outlining the next morning's tasks and was preparing to head upstairs. Since it was Winnie's first time staying at the villa, he had made a point of giving special instructions. These included ensuring she wore silk clothing, providing sweet wine and hot mulled wine, serving light meals low in carbs but rich in high-quality protein and healthy fats, and adjusting the fitness equipment to suit her height and weight—just in case she felt like working out in the morning. However, as he reached the stairs, Eric saw Van coming out of the guest room, holding Winnie in his arms. A look of surprise crossed Eric's face. "What happened?"Eric asked. He was momentarily stunned, his mind racing, "Winnie staying in the master bedroom on her first night here? That doesn't align with what I know about Van or the manners he's always maintained." Van's expression remained calm as he casually replied, "I smoked inside, the air wasn't good." Eric almost choked. With the central air purification system and the balcony doors that could be opened at any time for enhanced airflow, how could Van say something like that? "To avoid polluting the air in your bedroom, I'd suggest you finish your cigarette first," Eric said politely, trying to joke, but it was clear Van wasn't bothered by the remark. Van glanced at him, coolly responding, "Mind your own business." The two walked up the creamy-white marble spiral staircase, and Van seemed to remember something, turning to Eric and saying, "Nice choice of pajamas." Eric was a bit puzzled, not understanding why Van suddenly commented on that, but the sight in front of him did stir something in his heart. The avocado green silk pajamas, with delicate straps and a graceful fit, were definitely in line with Winnie's style. It was clear that Van knew her preferences well.