Chapter 6 Not Interested In Money

The luxurious car was spacious. There was a divider between the backseat and the driver's cabin.

Victoria sat beside Benjamin.

She assumed that someone like Benjamin wouldn't like talkative people. So, she did not say anything.

In the silence, her phone suddenly vibrated. Victoria glanced at the caller ID and ignored the call.

Soon, her phone rang again, so she silenced it.

"You can take that call."

Victoria put down her phone and looked at Benjamin. "I don't want to. Some people are snowflakes. I don't want to end up having blood on my hands," she joked.

Just like that, Benjamin knew the call was from Ginny.

Victoria observed the upscale restaurant with a bird's-eye view to the city.

Typically, this was the kind of place where couples come for dates. Why would Benjamin like this place?

Plus, it was probably expensive to eat here. Victoria followed Benjamin into a private room, feeling sorry for her wallet.

Courteously, Benjamin pulled out her chair for her.

Then, he sat down. The restaurant's manager gave them the menus. Benjamin ordered a few dishes and then looked at Victoria. "Is there anything else you would like to order?"

Victoria shook her head. "No, that's enough."

The food was too expensive for her taste.

Benjamin smiled knowingly. "That's all. We'll also have a bottle of your best wine."

"Yes, sir." The manager left.

"I didn't know you drink, Mr. Harper."

"I'm Zofist, but I'm not a priest. I don't have to give up all my worldly pleasures or anything. But I do fast every Friday."

Victoria hummed in understanding.

Soon, their food was served. Steak, foie gras, lobsters, salads, rich soup …

Victoria looked at the bottle of wine the manager was holding. Her smile froze.

It was a Romaconti red wine from 1945. One bottle cost upward of a few thousand dollars. She had the urge to pull out of treating Benjamin to dinner.

Benjamin smiled. "Chickening out?" he taunted deliberately.

Victoria bit her lip and shook her head.

Some sacrifices were needed for the greater good. Compared to a hundred million dollars, what was a few thousand dollars?

Smiling to himself, Benjamin picked up his fork and began eating.

His movements were graceful. Just watching him eat was a treat in itself.

Victoria did not like eating at high-end restaurants. There were too many etiquette rules to follow. However, she had to admit that the food here was good.

Either way, she would have to pay for it, so she decided to enjoy the food as well.

As he ate, Benjamin observed Victoria.

She cut the steak elegantly and chewed with her mouth closed.

Halfway through the meal, she set her cutlery on the plate, creating an inverted V shape. Next, she grasped her wine glass with her right hand. She swayed the wine lightly, sniffed at it, then took a sip.

Victoria allowed the wine to linger in her mouth before swallowing. She narrowed her eyes in satisfaction.

Her table manners were perfect.

Even professionally trained socialites were rarely as elegant as she was.

Benjamin stared at the hint of red wine still lingering on her lips. His eyes darkened.

She was young, and her outfit was modest. Yet, he felt like she was as provocative as all the other women who made it their mission to seduce him.

"Were you taught dining etiquette?"

Victoria nodded. "I did. I believe my teacher would be happy with my behavior today."

She had mastered all the expectations of a Youngville socialite and beyond. She had learned dining etiquette, flower arrangement, horse riding, wine tasting ...

This was the first time that she'd put her learnings about table manners into practice so seriously.

The atmosphere and the man sitting before her compelled her to be on her best behavior.

"Did you bring me here just to observe my table manners?" Victoria had noticed that Benjamin had been watching her as they ate. His gaze had been calculative and meaningful.

Benjamin did not answer her.

He picked up his glass and swirled the wine before taking a sip.

The red liquid sloshed around in the glass he was holding. As he narrowed his eyes and swallowed, Victoria couldn't help but swallow as well as she averted her eyes.

All of a sudden, she understood why Mrs. Warde Senior always looked regretful when she spoke about him.

It truly was a shame. He was such a good-looking man. Yet, he was cursed with sexual dysfunction.

Victoria wasn't really looking for an answer. So, when Benjamin was silent, she did not probe further.

She got up and refilled his glass. Then, she sat back down and lifted her own. "Thank you for today, Mr. Harper. I wonder if you're interested in continuing our collaboration?"

"Collaboration?"Benjamin looked at her. "A collaboration is typically beneficial for both parties. You're in hot water yourself. What can you give me?"

"Zachary Harper still owes me a house and a hundred million dollars. Once I get those, we can split the profits amongst ourselves. I'll take the house. If it's worth forty million dollars, then all you need to give me is … seventy million dollars. You can keep the rest as compensation."

She'd raised her price at Nicole's today because she intended to split the money with Benjamin.

They would only get about 50 million each if it were only a hundred million dollars.

She could earn 80 million dollars in a single fight. Her marriage should be worth more than that.

If Benjamin were willing to help, she could easily get a hundred million dollars. Either way, she wouldn't lose out.

Benjamin looked at her and smiled. "You're going to split the Harpers' money with me? Sounds like high hopes to me."

Victoria disagreed. "I'm just taking money from Zachary and making it yours. It shouldn't be hard for you. I know you just need to give the order to get a hundred million dollars."

"I'm not interested in money."

Victoria was speechless. She found it hard to believe that someone could be uninterested in money. Rolling her eyes, she said, "What if I told you I can cure … "

She paused. Benjamin laughed. "Go on."

Victoria's eyes darted around before landing on him. She pursed her lips.

Sexual dysfunction was a trigger to most men, especially those suffering from it.

His religion and alleged fasting were probably just a cover-up.

If he wanted to hide his sexual dysfunction, Victoria's offer to help him would only anger him. And if that happened, he might turn around and work with Zachary against her instead.

That would be bad for her.

Victoria shook her head and downed the rest of her wine. Then, she stood up and said, "Nothing. If it's too much trouble, then forget about my request. I'll pay for this meal as a gesture of gratitude for your help today. For the sake of this dinner, please don't make things difficult for me in the future."

She'd only gotten 20 million dollars from him. Not only did he not help her, he'd even ordered such an expensive dinner at her expense.

How inconsiderate!

Didn't he know that she was broke?