Chapter 68

Just moments ago, he had been overcome with emotion, kissing her as if he couldn't let go. Now, it was already down to a curt 'no need to be polite." 'During the contract period, you're not obligated to fulfill any physical duties toward Mr. Marlowe, nor can he use the contract to coerce you into physical contact. If there's any violation, you have the right to terminate the agreement immediately, and we will pay you the full compensation," Eric continued. Perhaps it was the overly polite tone of his voice that made it seem so detached and impersonal. Yet, in its own way, his tone was also oddly gentle. Winnie thought to herself that she was being unreasonable. How could she blame this senior gentleman? She nodded, replying with a soft 'Okay." 'All you need to do is accompany Mr. Marlowe to necessary events in the role of his girlfriend. Outside of that, there's no set number of times you're required to meet." Winnie raised her face and smiled at Eric. 'Not strict." Van hadn't even specified how often they'd need to see each other each week. What Winnie didn't know was that Van had just instructed Eric to add this clause. Van wasn't sure why she was avoiding looking at him, as if the contract was being signed with Eric and her obligations were to Eric as well. Van gave her a meaningful look and called her name, 'Winnie." Winnie turned her head, and Van felt a bit more at ease. Still, he asked formally, 'Is there anything you'd like to add?" 'No," Winnie said lightly, not bothering to glance at the contract again. 'Let's sign." Eric unscrewed a pen and handed it to her, opening a red ink pad on the side. Winnie wrote down her name and the date, then pressed her fingertip into the ink and stamped her fingerprint. The two copies of the contract were signed simultaneously by both parties, everything proceeding quietly, swiftly, and in perfect order. Once they were done, Winnie looked at Van, her smile radiant, 'Thank you, Mr. Marlowe, for giving me such a lucrative deal." Hearing her words, Van's brows furrowed slightly. Just before finishing the last line of his own details, he paused, lifting his gaze to her. 'Winnie, tell me if there's anything that makes you uncomfortable." 'Nothing," she replied with a calm smile. 'I think it's great. You've thought everything through for me, Mr. Marlowe. It's very thorough, and I feel reassured." As she spoke, she instinctively fiddled with the Montblanc pen in her hand, repeatedly twisting the ink cartridge open and closed. Van returned his focus to the contract and completed the remaining sections. Winnie listened to the soft scratching of the pen's nib on paper, raising her bright eyes. With a faint smile and a casual, almost naïve tone, she asked, 'So, does this mean I just wait for you to call on me when you occasionally need me?" After her question hung in the air, there was no immediate response. Instead, the sound of the pen came to an abrupt stop. Van capped the pen and extended the contract forward. Just as Winnie was about to take it, Van locked eyes with her. His gaze carried an indescribable weight, and without breaking eye contact, he crumpled the paper in his hand. Eric showed no hint of surprise, remaining entirely detached, his expression serene as he gazed out at the greenery beyond the window. The forest outside was an extravagant creation, and now, as evening fell, a fine mist rose over the winding river, weaving between the towering trees. The setting sun bathed everything in a gentle, golden light. 'What does this mean, Mr. Marlowe?" Winnie asked hesitantly, her smile faltering, barely holding. Had he changed his mind? 'I've changed my mind," Van said calmly. Winnie felt her strength drain away. Pressing her lips together, she forced a faint response. 'I see." 'If I've spent so much money, then whenever I want to see you, I should be able to see you," Van said, his tone deep and deliberate. 'But considering how busy I am, let's set it at three times a week, for no less than an hour each time." He glanced up at her, his tone casual and indifferent. 'Do you have any objections?"