Crushed Affections (Dominic and Bella)
Chapter 304

Chapter 304 Am I Not Worth at Least Ten Thousand

Perhaps feeling guilty or realizing that Lia wouldn't accept his explanations, Leonard gave up the struggle and asked wearily, "How do you want to handle this? I'll go along with whatever you decide."

Lia discreetly glanced at him, her mind racing. After all, he was a young heir to the Sawyer family; she couldn't push him too far or overstep her bounds.

So, she said coyly, "Actually... you just need to compensate me a little for emotional distress. I'm not greedy. Just ten thousand will do. We can call it even after that."

He twitched his lips. "Am I really worth less than ten thousand?"

Lia, ever straightforward, looked at him with disdain. "You're not money! Having it in my pocket makes me feel secure. Are you saying I'm asking for too much? Come on. Let's sit down and eat while we talk. You can negotiate!"

With money paramount, she no longer felt embarrassed about having pursued Leonard through his anonymous account. If she couldn't completely sever ties with him, she might as well fight for the best compensation possible; she was always flexible regarding negotiations. Leonard's face turned pale, and he fell silent for a moment.

She thought he was refusing to pay. Seeing him wear the scarf she had given him, she pulled. on it, demanding, "If you won't compensate me, give the scarf back! Is there anyone as stingy as you?"

Leonard was nearly strangled by her and instinctively grabbed her wrist, pulling her closer. "Are you trying to choke me to death? I never said I wouldn't pay. I was just wondering. Wouldn't it be more worthwhile to be my girlfriend?"

For a moment, Lia's heart skipped a beat. Seeing him up close, she felt her heart slowly start to

awaken.

It was undisputable -he was incredibly handsome, with striking good looks that could make anyone swoon. Coupled with his muscular physique, he exuded an irresistible charm that made her flustered.

After a stunned silence, she blushed slightly and retorted, "Not a chance! Being your girlfriend means I'd have to sleep with you. That would be a loss. Ugh... Jerk!"

He looked utterly baffled and took a deep breath. "Can you just think normally for once?"

Just then, the bathroom door swung open, and Bella emerged. She froze in surprise upon seeing the scene before her. "L-Leonard? When did you get here?"

Lia quickly shoved Leonard away. "He just got here!"

Bella feigned calmness. "Want to join us for a meal?"

Leonard realized they couldn't continue the conversation and replied, "No, I was just passing by. My car's still downstairs. I'll head out now. By the way, Merry Christmas.

Lia patted her chest to calm herself as his figure vanished down the hallway. "That scared me! He's just acting crazy. Let's eat."

Bella pressed a hand to her slightly aching abdomen, feeling unwell. "My period is here, so I have no appetite. You go ahead. Leonard is a decent guy, and he'd make a good friend. You even stood up for him against Yelena, so maybe it's best to let bygones be bygones." Lia laughed it off. "I know. I'm not taking it too seriously... I just feel a bit awkward. If you're not feeling well, go lie down. I'll make you some chamomile tea."

The following day, Bella and Lia went to the studio together.

As soon as they sat down, Leonard rushed into the studio. "Good morning!"

Lia glared at him. "Aren't you done yet?"

Bella stifled a laugh and replied, "Good morning

Leonard clapped his hands, and a bodyguard in a suit and sunglasses entered, carrying at breakfast spread from the renowned Royal Cuisine. He laid out a feast on Lia's work desk

She squinted suspiciously. "What's this about? Why are you showering us with favors? Are you up to something?"