Crystal’s One Night of Love
Chapter 198

Chapter 198 Come Back To Me

As her words hung in the air, a prolonged silence ensued on the other end.

At that moment, they could almost sense each other's delicate breaths, and gradually, the man's breath. grew deeper and more pronounced.

Finally, with a seemingly casual tone, he replied, "Very well."

He suggested meeting her in the evening at a charming Ferropenian restaurant, but Crystal refused. "Let's talk in your office," she suggested with her voice lowered.

The man remained silent, a clear rejection in his response.

Crystal, aware of her reliance on him, ultimately acquiesced, saying. "Fine."

Upon hanging up the phone, she was caught in a trance-like state for a while. The realization struck her with clarity that getting involved with Henry would not come without a price.

Deep in her heart, she knew that he wouldn't lend his help without her offering something in return. It was possible that he had already set the stage and was waiting patiently for her. After all, Henry was a man she could never truly sway.

Engrossed in her thoughts, Crystal remained absent-minded throughout the day.

As Pete entered the room with a report in hand, he carried an air of cheeriness. With a casual toss of the items onto the desk, he remarked, "I must say, that new employee is quite skilled and efficient at their work, and yet their salary remains modest. It seems you possess the qualities of a shrewd capitalist, unbeknownst to me!"

Crystal perused the report with a calm demeanor, unfazed by the man's babbling.

Pete positioned himself on the desk, attentively observing her before remarking. "You're amassing wealth by leaps and bounds, yet you don't seem too happy, You're a tough one to impress, aren't you? Could it be that you yearn for a touch of indulgence? How about I fulfill your desires? I assure you, the experience will be utterly unforgettable. You'll replace yourself swiftly casting aside the thought of that Miller guy!" At that, Crystal closed the report and declared, "I'm deducting five thousand off of your paycheck!"

"What! For what reason?"

"For harassing your superior!"

"D*mn it! So many young girls crave my attention but I can't be bothered to give them the time of day. Yet, you reject me!" exclaimed Pete in frustration. Without acknowledging his words, Crystal requested a cigarette from him. She lit it and placed it on the table, watching the crimson ember burn silently.

Pete could sense that something was bothering her.

"Why subject yourself to secondhand smoke? What's weighing on your mind, hm? Why not allow me to satisfy your desires? I guarantee you, it'll clear your mind!" he suggested, his voice laced with a hint of

mischief.

r

Nevertheless, the woman merely chased him out.

Filled with a mix of anger and frustration, he exclaimed. "I'm concerned about you. Don't you think you're being ungrateful?"

Crystal maintained a composed gaze as she spoke. "I heard you indulged in a late-night party until the wee hours and arrived an hour late this morning. Pete, let me make it clear for you: should such a circumstance arise again, there will be no need for you to grace us with your presence."

A hint of guilt flitted across Pete's expression.

I did indulge in partying last night, but can I be blamed? Ever since my arrival in Barnwood, my life has been as tranquil as that of a priest. Moreover, putting up with Crystal's cold demeanor day in and day out is boring me out of my mind. In fact, I'm feeling a surge of energy coursing through my body after a night of partying!

"Well, I-I didn't really have to go out and party... It was just... you know... nothing s-special, really," he stammered.

Crystal had no intention of prying into his personal affairs as long as it didn't interfere with his job. That evening, she headed to the Ferropenian restaurant without requesting his escort.

When she alighted the taxi, Henry was already waiting for her at the door.

The restaurant exuded a charming atmosphere, and he was dressed in formal attire-a black shirt, a dark gray tie, and a meticulously tailored black three-piece suit. With his broad shoulders and slim waist, his physique was truly remarkable, not to mention the air of sophistication that emanated from him. He easily captivated the gazes of those who passed by.

Even Crystal couldn't fight off the urge to cast a profound gaze upon him, but she swiftly composed herself thereafter.

Henry walked up to her, his gaze penetrating. "Why didn't you allow Pete to give you a ride? If it's inconvenient next time, I'll come and pick you up!" he suggested.

She wanted to tell him that there'd be no next time, but upon considering the favor she was about to ask, she chose to hold her tongue.

Crystal then managed a faint smile and said, "Taking a taxi is just as convenient."

Henry said nothing else and led her inside.

He had reserved the entire restaurant, possibly to provide them with a private and quiet space. However, this arrangement only made Crystal feel a sense of pressure. As she took her seat and glanced at the menu, she softly expressed, "There's no need for such expense."

Henry, unconcerned about the menu, deferred to her choice.

Taking a sip of aperitif, he smiled gently and said, "Crystal, we've been together for a while now, but we haven't had many private dates like this. This place seems nice. Shall we come here more often in the future?"

Crystal ordered two sets of meals and expressed her gratitude to the waiter. She then turned her gaze toward Henry, who was leaning back in his chair, his eyes fixed on her.

His appearance was undeniably attractive!

Amidst the shimmering crystal chandelier, he seemed even more dazzling than the lights themselves.

She took a sip of water to steady her nerves before speaking hesitantly. "Regarding Charles and Madison's situation, I would like to seek your assistance..."

Henry set down his glass and his slender fingers gently caressed the rim, his expression and posture. reminiscent of someone caressing a woman. Yet, there was an air of elegance and refinement about him. He chuckled softly and said, "Let's discuss business after we finish our meal!"

Despite her lack of appetite, Crystal pushed herself to eat, not wanting to reveal the depth of her emotions. regarding the past. She understood that now, as she sought his assistance, she had to show some semblance of sincerity.

The man was far more relaxed in comparison. He'd occasionally ask her about work, and they'd discuss. Pete every now and then.

Unfortunately, he never once brought up Madison and Zachary's divorce.

Half an hour later, Crystal reached her limit. She carefully placed her utensils on the table and spoke with a firm tone. "Mr. Miller, we are not here for idle chitchat."

"I know. How do you suggest we proceed?" Henry asked, his gaze intensifying.

The question caught her off guard. How do we proceed? What options do I have?

Henry gently lifted his digestif, his tone casual. "Are you asking me to intercede on Madison and Charles' behalf? However, you may not be aware that Zachary has already approached me. He offered me at generous sum to help him win this case, which is nearly one-third of the Cramer family's wealth. It declined... So, consider that a favor to Madison."

Finishing his words, he began to savor his wine while carefully observing her.

Crystal believed him.

He was remaining neutral and refused to help either side until she came to seek his assistance. This was the kind of person Henry was-cunning and calculative. Crystal was at a loss for words.

Sensing her lack of response, the man let out a sudden chuckle before commenting. "Madison and Charles managed to conceive in such a short amount of time. We, on the other hand, have been intimate numerous times, yet there's been no sign of pregnancy. Quite peculiar, isn't it?"

His remark had a slightly provocative undertone, which seemed out of place in the upscale restaurant.

Crystal felt a wave of annoyance.

"I came here with sincerity to discuss something with you, Mr. Miller," she said, her voice carrying a hint of anger.

Henry raised his glass slightly and broke into a smile once more. "Miss Winters, to be honest, I came here tonight with the intention to seduce you. Aren't you even slightly tempted?"

Upon his remark, Crystal couldn't help but cast a glance at him.

The man was undeniably attractive, capable of captivating any woman's heart.

She shifted her gaze uncomfortably, but Henry's tone suddenly grew serious. "I didn't plan on discussing this in such a setting, but if you really want my answer, then I'll tell you... If you come back to me, I'll help Madison with her case."

Crystal's emotions surged within her, causing a subtle display of vulnerability. Her eyes welled up tears, and blush tinted her otherwise composed face.

with

She rose from her chair, her voice steady but filled with determination as she declared, "It's simply not possible!"

"Is that so?" Henry questioned, his tone nonchalant. "That's too bad, then."

His mood remained unaffected, and he gently urged her, "Have some more food. You seem to have lost. weight recently."

"You're a scoundrel, Henry."

He wiped his lips with a napkin, maintaining his composure as he spoke with a gentle tone. "Well then, Crystal, this scoundrel will be patiently awaiting your decision. As I mentioned earlier, tonight was merely an attempt to seduce you."