Upon facing a raging Heather, Matthias knew better than to fight her head-on. Hence, he flashed an apologetic smile to her. She wanted nothing more than to dismember his body because she had no idea about his plans.
“Matthias, aren’t you planning to give me an explanation?” Heather wasn’t here to see him smile. In fact, now that he was grinning at her, she felt anger bubbling in her chest.
“I have already explained myself as required and I did not deliberately arrange for this.” He suddenly felt wronged.
“In that case, you’re saying that I am framing you, right?” Heather was extremely angry at that point. She couldn’t even analyze the situation rationally; instead, she was convinced that it was Matthias’ fault, making her upset with him in general.
Matthias jokingly commented, “Miss Heather, have you considered the possibility that having lots of gossip is not beneficial to me at all? I can’t possibly get myself into such shitty situations time and time again.”
Heather felt upset when she heard his reply. I can’t believe he said ‘shitty situations’. Is he implying that having a scandal with me is such a disgusting thing?
She was so angry that she started to speak about their past. Well, from my point of view, I just can’t stand Matthias. Ever since I fell into Blake’s trap, all my projects have been a mess. I am reduced to a mass of tearless grief now that I am dragged into this scandal.
Matthias felt relieved when he noticed that she had stopped shooting daggers at him. Heather is truly a powerful woman to be reckoned with. She has an unmistakable but scary aura about her.
“So, it turns out that you find being involved in a scandal with me a disgusting thing, Director Locke,” Heather commented calmly. I have the right to hate the scandal between him and myself, but how could he detest it so much? I am not happy about this at all.
He glanced at her incredulously. It is impossible to understand women. She will not be happy, no matter what I answer her. “Please listen to my explanation. You might not understand much about the Lockes, but the elders in the Locke Family hate gossip like this with a vengeance,” he explained hastily. Heather is the current priority, so I have to calm her emotions as much as possible.
She regarded Matthias pointedly. Well, it is true I haven’t heard that before. So far, I honestly have no idea what kind of family the Lockes are. However, I have heard rumors, but I can’t be sure about it being reliable.
After he said those words, Matthias further elaborated while explaining the reasons for his reaction, “If the elders in my family were to learn about the scandal we’re both implicated in, they will drag me back to the family home to teach me a painful lesson.”
This is the first time I’ve seen Matthias looking so gloomy. It seems like he is rather afraid of the elderlies in his family. I did not expect the Lockes to be so strict. “In that case, how dare you fabricate that scandal about you and me?” Heather’s mood improved tremendously after listening to his explanation because she had indirectly learned something useful about the Locke Family.
He looked utterly upset. This is a double-edged sword. In the end, I am still being dragged into it. Judging by the looks of it, I will be disadvantaged if this matter continues. Previously, I had a hold on The Apple Gazette, but I have no idea which media outlet is involved this time. If the Locke Family were to learn about it, I will have to head home to receive my punishment according to the clan law.
“Things are becoming troublesome now. If you disagree to pretend to be my other half, I’m afraid my elders might drag me back.” Matthias hadn’t thought things through at that time, nor did he expect to have such a strong bond with Heather.
This time, I have created so much trouble just from a car crash. I can’t help but imagine the suppressed and constipated faces of the elderlies at home. I wonder how they are planning on punishing me. The Locke Family has maintained a low profile all along, so they almost never show up in the media. Now that the reporters have chased after me while snapping pictures of me, I honestly can’t even imagine the consequences. Right now, I must have Heather with me—it doesn’t matter what my motive is at this point. If she refuses to work with me, I will no doubt suffer in the future. It took me a lot of effort to be in Bradfort City, so how could I possibly return to my hometown without any success? I have to prove my capabilities. Be it business or personal matters, I just have to properly compete with Tony.
Heather burst out in laughter. I did not expect the Locke Family to be such a strict bunch. Matthias’ horrified look instantly assuaged her anger. Well in that case, I have no choice but to consider the option of pretending to be Matthias’ girlfriend. I might be able to gain some benefit from this too. Previously, when he brought this up, I figured it wasn’t necessary. However, things have escalated to a state where it might affect him if he continued staying here.
From where I stand, the main reason why Matthias wants to stay in Bradford City is most probably due to Myra. I do not want to cause trouble for Myra and Tony’s relationship, but since Myra and Tony are truly in love with each other, having Matthias around wouldn’t change anything. After pondering her options and weighing the possibilities, she was tempted. After all, it is not beneficial to have Matthias as an enemy. Besides, if he were to leave Bradfort City over this issue, I will miss lots of interesting drama in the future.
The more she thought about it, the more Heather was in favor of Matthias’ contract. He could also tell the shift of her attitude from her expression.
“I am open to granting you something as long as you agree to sign this contract.” He immediately took out the contract. He just had it drawn up when Heather barged in.
Well, I suppose this is similar to some sort of tacit understanding. Some things are fated in life. Matthias pushed the contract toward her.
She hesitated for a while before taking the contract to carefully read the contents. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary because it looked like an agreement to contract a girlfriend. Their relationship would merely serve as a cover.
“I just don’t think it’ll be an easy feat to explain to the rest of them,” Heather responded hesitantly. “Well, for instance, Myra—how should I inform her about this? It will be tricky with Grandpa too.” She also voiced her concerns. It is easy to pretend in front of outsiders, but I just can’t do that to Grandpa, who loves me to bits, and my best friend, Myra.
“You don’t have to clearly explain certain things. You do not have to explain yourself as long as they don’t bring it up. Besides, when it comes to revealing a relationship, it is customary for women to gradually do that. You can say that you are still in the early stages and you do not want to prematurely announce things publicly,” he suggested convincingly while his words made perfect sense.
Heather read through the contract again. I must ensure that I am being protected in such arrangements because I can’t lose the right to my body again. Nevertheless, judging by how loyal and in love Matthias is toward Myra, I doubt he’d do anything to me. Furthermore, he has never had any scandal in the past. He doesn’t seem like the usual playboys.
“Director Locke, I wonder whether you have any female soulmates or lovers. I am afraid that they might get into a conflict with me,” she had openly asked because she was not interested in dealing with those women.
Matthias grinned triumphantly when he heard that. It looks like Heather has agreed to it.
“Don’t worry, I treasure my innocence. How about yourself, Miss Heather?” he asked mischievously at the end of his sentence with a suggestive grin.
“Director Locke, I believe you have thoroughly investigated my relationships.” Heather grinned brightly and her eyes twinkled maliciously. Well, I remember Matthias addressing me as the ‘old virgin’. After all, women hold grudges.
Matthias chuckled in embarrassment. I went overboard with my actions that night. It is never alright to insult a woman’s morality.
“Miss Heather, you are correct. I apologize terribly for my actions in the past,” he immediately apologized because he needed to coax and soothe her at this point.
“It is not written on the contract that you will grant me a request, Director Locke,” Heather reminded as she pointed at the contract. Since the contract was previously drawn up, it was only natural that Matthias did not include that clause in writing.
He took the contract from her while reassuring her, “Don’t worry, I will add that in.” He would not fool her when victory was just in sight.
“Well, I will draw up a new contract and we will…” He trailed off after he spoke in a tentative tone.
Heather immediately stopped smiling and her expression turned serious. She cocked a brow at him while responding, “Director Locke, do you remember when I impolitely barged in earlier? I was questioning you whether you’ve messed up my plans.” It is not that simple to get me to sign a contract.
“Yes, I do.” Matthias nodded. “However, that is understandable and I do not blame you at all.” He thought that she was being courteous to him, but he obviously had assumed wrongly.
“I apologize for being rude earlier, but you did mess up my plans, Director Locke. I wonder whether you are planning to rectify that.” Heather was being indirect, but her meaning was clear—she wanted Matthias to bear the responsibility for messing up her plans.
He obviously understood what she was implying since he was someone who did not beat around the bush. “Well, Miss Langston, what would you like me to do?” he asked without missing a beat.
Heather briefed him about her entrepreneurship—it was a critical moment for her to cozy up to the Saffords. Initially, things were all set in stone to win them over, but it all went down the drain due to the scandal.
On the surface, it sounded like Matthias had caused the problem. However, if one were to think deeper, the issue didn’t seem related to him at all. It looks like Heather is using this issue to find fault with me while testing my capabilities.
Upon coming to that conclusion, he agreed to help her. “I am at fault in this matter. I will be more than happy to accompany you, Miss Langston, to visit both daughter and father tomorrow.”
She was shocked by his confident tone. It looks like Matthias has figured out a plan. Well, I can’t wait to see it. I would like a front-row seat to witness the eloquent Matthias work his charm. It is a great opportunity for me to learn a thing or two.
“Director Locke, it is such a pleasure dealing with you. In that case, I’ll meet you at Safford House at 9 AM.” Heather hastily set the time because she understood the importance of striking while the iron is hot.
Matthias nodded lightly in response. The priority today is to get on Heather’s good books. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect that. It started off with my setting a trap for her, but I have to beg her for help in the end. It is a dangerous move, but after weighing my options, as long as I have her on my side, I am sure that it will help me greatly. The elderlies in the family have always doubted the reliability of my expanding the business in Bradfort City. I am sure that I will gain their trust and confidence once I’ve confirmed my relationship with Heather. They value a good and clean family background more than anything else.
I have to admit that the Langston Family has an upper hand with their dominant position. The pain is excruciating each time I recall the past. If my sick brother hadn’t ended up in a vegetative state, how could I possibly be in my current position? The term ‘illegitimate son’ has always been my source of shame and humiliation. It is also a chip on my shoulder hindering me from progressing. I need to turn the tables right now to achieve great things.
