Chapter 7 Lose Money or Eat With Me?

It was noon when she appeared in the hall on the first floor of Mendez Group, under the bright midday sun.

The driver took her to the basement parking lot and pointed to the car she had been in yesterday.

"Ms. Osborn, this is the car. I'll leave the key with you and go back."

She took the key and didn't know what to do.

Earlier, Rolando had asked her on the phone, "Do you have a driver's license?"

She had answered, "Yes."

She hadn't lied. She did have a driver's license.

However, having a driver's license didn't mean she could actually drive.

She spun around the black sedan, clicking her tongue in frustration. She was about to get into the car when the rear door suddenly opened.

Rolando stepped out of the car.

"Mr. Mendez? How come you are here?" asked Carina, surprised.

"Isn't this my car? What's the problem of me being in my car?"

"Oh, that's not what I meant. Isn't this car supposed to be sent to me for washing?"

Rolando asked coldly, "So you don't actually drive, do you?"

She looked at him, a bit startled.

"How do you know?"

Rolando spread open his hands and then said in a mocking tone, "Just give me the key and get in."

He got into the driver's seat, and she sat in the back.

Rolando said calmly, "I'm not a driver."

Carina thought for a moment before she finally stepped back and moved to the co-pilot's seat.

He started the car. Carina said politely, "I'm sorry for dirtying your car and making you drive for me to get it washed."

"So, I'll give you a chance to do something for me before you get the car washed. We'll be even."

"What is it?"

"Having lunch with me."

She looked at him. "Having lunch? I don't think so. I'm not hungry. Besides, it's not appropriate for me to eat with you alone."

"This car is very expensive. The blanket that you soiled yesterday is worth 20 grand. And it was totally ruined. I'll give you a fifty percent discount. Let's say 10 grand. Do you prefer to lose money or have lunch with me?"

"You're taking advantage of the situation."

"I just learned from you yesterday. You were the one who raised the price for no reason, right?"

She looked at him angrily.

"Are all capitalists as petty as you are?"

"Haven't you heard? The richer you are, the pettier you Become. So, what's your choice? To lose money or to eat with me."

"The latter," she replied, gritting her teeth.

When she saw his smirk, she couldn't help but feel that something was off.

The car suddenly quieted down. She exhaled a breath of air, unease creeping up.

"Do you want some music?" asked Rolando.

She shook her head.

"No, I'm good."

"Relax, then."

"I'm very relaxed."

"Are you?" His lips curled up in a mocking smile.

She was relaxed, only a bit annoyed.

"Mr. Mendez, did you have a crush on me because of what happened the night before last night? Are you interested in me?"

Rolando spared a glance at her.

She pursed her lips when she saw his gaze.

'I flatter myself,' she thought.

"I'm glad that you're not," said Carina.

The car stopped in front of the entrance to the dining hall. Rolando pointed towards the trunk of the car.

"There's a set of clothes there. Go and get changed."

"Where? In the car?"

"You'll be safe."

He got out of the car and leaned against the door.

She changed her clothes and got out of the car a few minutes later.

He looked at her with satisfaction in his eyes.

He pulled her hand by the wrist and naturally linked it with his arm.

The two of them went upstairs together.

"Your task today is to smile and eat, so don't talk when you shouldn't."

'I have a sense that it's more than just a lunch,' thought Carina.

After entering the dining room, Carina realized that the person they were going to eat with was a woman.