Chapter 99

When the driver got into the car, his expression was calm, as indifferent as the sand dunes outside the window. In fact, he wasn't thinking much. As a retired mercenary, he had always been responsible for Van's security in Africa. Although they only met a few times a year, he understood Van thoroughly—this man was composed, reserved, and well-mannered, making it clear that he would never do anything inappropriate in the car. The car continued moving, and the driver could faintly hear the conversation from the back seat. The woman seemed a bit tired, her weariness taking over as she gradually leaned on Van's shoulder, her body sagging as if losing all support. Van's tone was relaxed and content. "Next time you want to go somewhere, just let Eric know ahead of time. He'll take care of everything for you." "He's your personal assistant, how could I trouble him?" Winnie said softly, seeming to know where to draw the line. Her words were not unnecessary. Even during the times she had been with Van, any woman with a sense of propriety wouldn't easily trouble the people around Van, including Eric, who took care of everything for him. Eric had always been considerate of her, even though she never asked for anything, he would always arrange everything meticulously. Van casually said, "You'll need to trouble him more in the future, get used to it." Winnie gently shook her head. "I was going to ask him to help me get your address, but I was afraid he'd tell you directly, and then you'd think I'm bothering you." Winnie felt a little uneasy inside and quietly asked, "Have I caused you any trouble?" Van lowered his head to look at her, a faint hint of amusement flashing in his eyes. Her eyes were full of worry, as if she were afraid of upsetting him. But her expression didn't quite match the proud posture she had on the red carpet. "If there really is trouble, what do you plan to do about it?" he asked, half-joking, his tone impossible to read. Winnie didn't hesitate, quickly lowering her head, her voice barely audible, "Sorry, it won't happen again." "Maybe there will be another chance," Van said, a cryptic glint passing through his eyes. "What?" Winnie raised her head, a hint of confusion in her eyes. Van smiled slightly and changed the subject, "Has anything happened recently?" He knew well that with Winnie's personality, she wouldn't have flown all the way to Africa without a good reason. Her pride and determination always made her reluctant to compromise. Something must have happened to her back home that she couldn't bear, leading her to make this decision. Winnie forced a smile and casually said, "It's nothing serious, just failed the audition. The director said I'm too much of a 'star,' not grounded enough." Her smile was strained, and there was a hint of helplessness in her words. In truth, the director's comment was not entirely unfounded—her looks and temperament didn't quite suit ordinary roles. Despite her excellent acting skills, her appearance often led to certain stereotypes that made it hard for the audience to accept her in more everyday roles. Van asked casually, "If you need it, I can help you talk to them." Although Van's business didn't overlap much with the entertainment industry, he still had enough connections and resources to influence certain matters. Winnie hadn't expected him to bring it up himself. "No need," Winnie quickly straightened up, looking a bit flustered. "The movie is good, but I don't feel like I've missed out on anything. The director has already invited me to play the female lead in his next movie." Van raised an eyebrow at her, a faint smile curling at the corners of his lips. "Are you trying to convince me, or convince yourself?" He reached out and gently adjusted a strand of her hair, his fingertips brushing a small mole near her ear. That tiny spot of red seemed to stand out vividly in his eyes. Winnie froze for a moment, not expecting him to notice that. "I am fine, really." Winnie tried to smile, but couldn't help lowering her head. Then she casually added, "Mr. Marlowe, many people are born as commodities, like me. Even though I have wealth and countless admirers, I'm still an object of trade. You know, I'm not shy about admitting that. Sometimes, the essence of this transaction makes people uncomfortable, but what can you do? Everyone lives in their own way." Van listened to her words, then let out a light laugh. His gaze softened as he looked at her. "Hearing you say that, I almost feel like you've just criticized me." Winnie flashed a smile. "You have it tough too. Those Middle Eastern billionaires work only three hours a day, and you're working day and night, often catching colds and coughing. It's really not easy for you." The driver couldn't help twitching at the corner of his eye, a faint smile appearing at his lips. It seemed this woman was clever enough to know how to read Van's mood. Van chuckled, gazing at her for a moment before finally giving in and leaning down to kiss her. "You're right," he whispered gently, "but if you see our contract as just a transaction..." He paused, then casually added, "I wouldn't mind taking that 100 million back, if it makes you uncomfortable." Winnie's eyes widened, and she quickly pressed her hands together in a prayer gesture, placing them against her forehead, her voice sincere. "No! It's my mental support. If you take it back, I won't have the motivation to live anymore!" The hotel where Van was staying was located on the outskirts of the city, a resort styled in an antique fashion. Each room had its own private courtyard, where tall and upright cacti in various shapes were deeply rooted in the white sandy soil, showcasing the unique charm of the tropical landscape. However, Winnie's arrival wasn't particularly well-timed—she had no time to enjoy these beautiful views. By the time she arrived at the hotel, her luggage had already been taken care of by the assistant. After exchanging a quick greeting with a French friend, Van hurried off, preparing to head to the Serengeti. "Actually, you might as well stay here and wait for me," Van thought for a moment before pausing the jeep. "I'll be back the day after tomorrow at noon." "Why?" Winnie asked, puzzled. "The accommodations there are rather primitive. I'm afraid you might not be comfortable." "That's impossible," Winnie shook her head firmly. "If there's a place you can stay, why can't I?"