Chapter 5: Arrogant Jerk

“You heard me! That car your reckless driving just damaged is worth 60 million dollars. Would your “sorry” get me a new one?”

Kourtney’s heart pounded in her chest as she heard his snooty words. She took a glance at the car, and the logo was a type that was rare and looked exquisite.

”Well? Did you really think this is the type of car a silly insurance could cover?” Sebastian added with a hint of mockery in his tone.

“I... I.” Kourtney was lost for words, not knowing what to reply.

When she had boosted earlier about paying for the damages, she hadn't considered the kind of car it was. She didn't even look at it that much to realize it was a custom-made Rolls-Royce. Only a few people in Melbourne could afford this kind of machine and get a government-issued pass to drive it around.

Was this man implying she should pay him back such a whooping amount? Where would she get such kind of money?

The man glanced at his wristwatch impatiently. “So, Miss, how do you intend to pay me back for the car? As you can see, I don’t have all day.”

Kourtney thought, ‘So he is serious?’

When she first saw him, he looked somewhat familiar, like one of those wealthy and famous big shots. Even his superiority and entitlement made her uneasy. The way he looked down at her as if she were beneath him sent a shiver down her spine.

Still, she mustered up the courage to reply, determined not to let him intimidate her any further. "I apologize, Sir, but I don't have the means to pay such a substantial amount right now. I can offer you what I have and work out a payment plan. But please understand, it will take time."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, seemingly unimpressed by her words. "Time, huh? Miss, I expect immediate compensation for the inconvenience you've caused me. I don't have time to spare,” his voice was laced with arrogance.

Kourtney couldn't believe just how insensitive and heartless he was. Asking her to pay such a lofty amount of money for his car was sheer wickedness. She was an extremely stubborn person and would never entertain such BS. Besides, why couldn't he just opt for repairs instead of wanting a new one? Even her own car was damaged as well!

“Once again, I'm sorry, Sir. But I don't have that kind of money to pay you immediately,” Kourtney replied, trying her best to sound polite despite her inner thoughts filled with contempt.

“Ha! But you just said it yourself. That you don't like to owe debts.”

“Yeah, but that was before I noticed the kind of vehicle I collided with. Besides, it was just an accident. I mean, my car even got damaged too.”

“Then... I’m afraid I'd have to sue you for your reckless driving. That can also be classified as attempted murder since it almost cost my life.” Sebastian replied coldly before turning away towards the new car his bodyguards brought over to take him home.

“Are you kidding me?? How can this be classified as an attempted murder? I'm sure you won't have a case.” Kourtney bit back in anger as she followed him, tugging at his suit.

He halted in his steps and fixed his sharp gaze on her hands, now holding his right arm. There was a profound and intense look in his eyes.

“I have the best lawyers working for me, so we'll see how that plays out. I'm pretty sure you'll end up in jail. So either pay me, or we settle this in court,” Sebastian was even more arrogant now, his confidence radiating from every word.

He would stop at nothing to get what he wanted, even if he had to blackmail her like this. She was the first woman who hadn't repulsed him in years. He just couldn't let her slip away as he thought this might be the only chance he could get. He had spent years feeling like a prisoner in his own body, and now, a path to liberation was opening up before him. He was ready to embrace it fully.

Meanwhile, Kourtney's grip on Sebastian's arm tightened as frustration and fear coursed through her veins. She felt her blood boiling as her anger rose from its depths. This man was indeed ruthless, and she wanted to cry. ‘What an arrogant jerk!’

Just from his noble temperament and arrogant demeanor, she could tell he was rich and powerful. If she gets sued, her chances of winning the case against him would be quite slim.

Kourtney also came from a pretty wealthy family, YES, but lately, she hasn't been getting enough pocket money from her parents as she used to. Each time she complained about this, she'd be reminded about their family business, “The Allen Corporation” experiencing a drop in revenue.

She also had a good part-time job as an event planner, but she'd have to work hard for years and years, planning hundreds of events before she could be able to pay him for the car.

The more Kourtney thought about it, the more she felt like crying, especially because the man seemed damn serious about his threats. Her mind raced, desperately searching for a way out of this nightmare. She cracked her brain and thought deeply about the situation and found that she was already at a loss.

She just had a pretty intense dispute with her parents and probably the entire family over the two-timing of Brandon and Kathlyn. Going back to her parents to ask for such an amount of money after what just happened would be like another slap to her face.

Besides, she already planned to go away and not have anything to do with them... for now. She also couldn't afford a lengthy legal battle, and the thought of going to jail haunted her. Kourtney took a deep breath, attempting to gather her composure.

“Sir, I... Please, I'm begging you. This accident was just an unfortunate event. Please let me off just this one time. I promise to be a more responsible driver from now on,” Kourtney protested sweetly and pouted her cute lips together.

Right now, she should be on a plane out of Australia and not in this annoying situation with this pompous man. She hated the fact that she was downright at his mercy right now. But she simply had no other choice.

Possibly, if she acted cute, this handsome and rich stranger would let her off. However, he seemed unmoved by her coquettish tone, and his gaze was piercing like ice. There was a devilish grin on his face as if mocking her futile attempt.

“Hmph! Perhaps there are other ways you can make it up to me." He finally spoke up, his voice carried a hint of mischief, and a sly smile played on his lips.

Kourtney's eyes widened, taken aback by his insinuation. She couldn't believe he was suggesting what she thought he was suggesting. Her mind raced as she tried to comprehend the situation she found herself in.

She hated these kind of men the most. Men who behaved like they ruled the world and could get in the pants of any woman they saw because of their money and influence. She despised men who believed they could use their power to manipulate and exploit women. She had assumed he wasn’t one of such persons. She even engaged in polite conversation with him and they shared a handshake as well.

‘I never knew he would be this ruthless,’ Kourtney thought.

“Since you can't be able to afford it, you're indebted to me now. But you said you don't like to owe debts. So maybe, I can only let you off on one condition.” The man spoke up again.

“And what condition could it possibly be, Mr. Pricey Car Owner?” Kourtney asked with a sneer, not caring if he sensed her disdain anymore.

She already knew what he was going to say, but still, she was hoping she could be wrong. Maybe he would just ask her to sponsor a charity event, donate to a worthy cause, or perform community service. Anything but what she feared he was about to suggest.

”It’s quite simple, actually. And would completely clear off your debt. You’d also benefit... a lot. Consider it my act of benevolence.” Sebastian said curtly with a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Kourtney was getting impatient now, “Yeah, so what is it?”

Sebastian smirked, reveling in the power he held over her. “Trust me. It's a perfect solution that we can both enjoy.”

“What exactly do want?” she asked again, her voice tinged with a hint of desperation as she silently wished he would suggest something that wouldn’t make her stomach turn with contempt.

Sebastian's expression softened slightly, but his intense eyes still glinted with a predatory gleam. He always enjoyed having the upper hand, being in control of every situation, and relishing in the domination he held.

After a moment of suspense, he leaned in closer and spoke in a low, calculated tone.

“Marry Me!”

“........”