Estelle Lockwood was a little stunned.

Nathaniel Sloan said he wanted to turn over a new leaf.

The man’s fingertips rested on her jaw, brushing against Estelle Lockwood’s lips, whether intentionally or not.

From Nathaniel Sloan’s perspective, he could see every flicker of emotion on Estelle Lockwood’s face.

Nathaniel Sloan felt he was indeed being too aggressive. ’He was demanding Estelle Lockwood give him a chance, but did she have to?’

But if she refused, Nathaniel Sloan had her completely enfolded in his embrace. One hand was pressed against her lips and the other was wrapped around her waist, leaving her with no chance to even pull away.

Estelle Lockwood sensed Nathaniel Sloan’s scorching gaze and subconsciously looked up.

Yet the moment their eyes met, the man averted his gaze.

Estelle Lockwood knew Nathaniel Sloan. He only refused to meet her eyes when he couldn’t control his emotions.

’Was he... afraid?’

As Estelle Lockwood’s thoughts wandered, she unconsciously spaced out. It must have been obvious, because Nathaniel Sloan’s fingertip gently traced her lip. The light, ticklish touch carried an undercurrent of intimacy.

"If I hadn’t found out, when were you planning on telling me? Or were you never going to say anything at all?"

He was asking about her identity as Yara Lockwood.

The moment he confirmed that Yara Lockwood was Estelle Lockwood, a sharp pain had pierced Nathaniel Sloan’s heart. He had become keenly aware of one fact.

Estelle Lockwood hadn’t died. She just didn’t want him anymore.

That was why, after learning the truth, he had been cautiously probing her, pushing her step by step while carefully staying within a safe distance.

He was afraid she would run away again.

Estelle Lockwood snapped back to her senses and struggled a little, but found she couldn’t break free. "Why do I have to tell you anything?" 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

The room seemed to fall silent in an instant, the very air growing heavy.

The man who wielded immense power without ever batting an eye now had a pale cast to his face, as if he had run out of justifications. So he lowered his bottom line again and again, offering himself up as a bargaining chip.

He seemed worried that once Estelle Lockwood’s identity was restored and this pretense between them was torn away, she would no longer have any need for her disguise.

And without the need for a disguise, she would no longer have to stay at Imperial Crest and play games with Nathaniel Sloan.

And then... the worst-case scenario that came to Nathaniel Sloan’s mind was that she would leave.

It didn’t matter if some things weren’t sorted out today. He had to make her stay.

So Nathaniel Sloan said, "No."

Estelle Lockwood pressed her lips together. She wasn’t sure what she was feeling—it was strange, with a touch of bitterness.

"But—" The next moment, however, Nathaniel Sloan spoke again.

He gently pressed her lips. "Back then, I felt both love and guilt for you. Miss Lockwood, a man in that state is the easiest to exploit. I’ll do whatever you want me to do. My power, my wealth—it’s all yours for the taking. Stay by my side, and you can do anything you wish."

Estelle Lockwood had seen many sides of Nathaniel Sloan—indifferent, dignified, nonchalant, and self-assured—but she had never seen him humble himself like this.

Estelle Lockwood processed this for a moment, then raised an eyebrow, translating his words into layman’s terms. "So, Mr. Sloan... you’re saying I should use you as my personal ATM?"

Nathaniel Sloan was noncommittal. "If that’s what you want, then of course."

A lump formed in Estelle Lockwood’s throat.

Nathaniel Sloan’s long lashes lowered, hiding the emotion in his eyes. "According to our agreement, I am still your servant, Miss Lockwood. The contract hasn’t expired. If you leave now, wouldn’t you be at a great loss?"

Only then did Estelle Lockwood remember the ’agreement’ she had made with Nathaniel Sloan on the first day she returned to the country.

—Nathaniel Sloan would voluntarily be her servant and driver, attending to her travels and her three daily meals.

Estelle Lockwood pursed her lips. It seemed as though Nathaniel Sloan was lowering himself for her, but... but perhaps this man was just so accustomed to having everything under his control that even in such a humble posture, Estelle Lockwood still felt trapped by him, with no way to escape.

Feeling a rebellious streak, she said, "The agreement is canceled."

Nathaniel Sloan slowly shook his head. "I’m afraid that won’t do."

Estelle Lockwood’s eyes widened in anger. "And why not? Besides, that agreement doesn’t benefit you at all. You won’t lose anything if it’s canceled."

Nathaniel Sloan chuckled softly. "I’m not afraid of taking a loss. I’m a businessman. Even though you may see this as a losing proposition, Miss Lockwood, I can’t let my partner suffer a real loss. Otherwise, there won’t be a next time we do business together."

"Besides..." Nathaniel Sloan’s expression was cool and his voice was deep, carrying no trace of flirtation.

But as he spoke close to her ear, it still made her ears turn red. "Besides, I don’t feel like I’m the one getting the short end of the deal."

For a moment, Estelle Lockwood was at a loss for words.

It was as if Nathaniel Sloan had done nothing wrong, yet every single one of his "correct" actions only added to her pain.

Estelle Lockwood couldn’t help but feel a little lost. ’Should I still go on with my revenge?’

"Don’t bottle up your feelings." Nathaniel Sloan knew what was happening. Estelle Lockwood had grievances and frustrations that needed an outlet, but it was more than just that.

What she needed most, perhaps, was someone’s unconditional love.

Estelle Lockwood glanced at him again. "You’ll agree to anything I say?"

"Of course."

Estelle Lockwood didn’t hide her intentions. "What if I ask you to help me deal with the Lockwood Family?"

Nathaniel Sloan nodded. "My actions today have already severed all ties with the Lockwood Family."

He paused, his tone coaxing. "Stay by my side. You can treat me the same way I used to treat you. Noelle Lockwood is jealous of you, the Lockwood Family despises you, yet you won’t have to lift a finger to get everything she can’t have. Isn’t that a good deal?"

Estelle Lockwood considered it carefully.

’It is a very good deal.’

’I would love seeing the look on Noelle Lockwood’s face, unable to stand me yet powerless to do anything about it.’

"Furthermore," Nathaniel Sloan tempted her, "my former Mrs. Sloan dedicated herself to a life of domesticity for me, but I didn’t cherish it. Now, I’m willing to do the same for you, and you, Miss Lockwood, are free not to cherish it. Let me have a taste of the pain you once endured."

Estelle Lockwood raised an eyebrow. "Are you telling me not to value you?"

Nathaniel Sloan gently pressed her hand to his cheek. "Yes."

But there was one thing he didn’t say aloud—all of this was predicated on Estelle Lockwood staying by his side.

’As long as she stays by my side,’ he thought, ’that’s all that matters.’

Estelle Lockwood also thought it was a good idea. She had only just reconnected with Christian. If she were to leave now, what would happen to him?

’But why should I willingly stay by Nathaniel Sloan’s side? On what grounds?’

So Nathaniel Sloan’s words happened to resolve her dilemma perfectly.

Estelle Lockwood dropped all pretense. Her eyes danced, and a smile like a sly, radiant fox played on her face as her red lips parted.

"Mr. Sloan, is this your way of asking to remarry me?"

Nathaniel Sloan’s Adam’s apple bobbed. "...Of course," he said, his voice hoarse.

"Oh..." Estelle Lockwood seemed to have regained control of the situation. "In that case, how about this: I’ll be generous and give you a three-month probationary period. During that time, Mr. Sloan, you can be my..."

She paused, thinking, before landing on the perfect term. "You can be my secret lover!"

"Are you willing, Mr. Sloan?"