CHAPTER 20: CHAPTER 20: IF YOU DARE LIE TO ME, YOU’LL PAY

"Were you drugged? I can help you, but you need to let go of me, alright?"

Eleanor Sterling softened her voice to negotiate with him.

Watching Alaric Faulkner like this, she vaguely understood that he was probably drugged.

Alaric halted, his thin lips parted slightly, his voice hoarse as he asked, "How can you help?"

Seeing that he had regained some clarity, a hint of delight flickered in Eleanor’s eyes as she explained, "I know a bit of acupuncture. I can alleviate your symptoms so you won’t be in so much discomfort."

Otherwise, what did he think she intended to do to help?

Alaric’s eyes, tinged with redness, scrutinized Eleanor, as if evaluating the truth of her words.

Eleanor looked back at him sincerely, speaking softly, "Would you get up first?"

An uneasy silence followed as Alaric continued pressing her.

The room’s only sound was his labored breathing. Eleanor frowned, uncertain if he would heed her words.

Just as she was about to persuade him further, Alaric got up.

Eleanor breathed a sigh of relief.

"Come over here." Alaric cast her a cold glance, then headed towards the large bed.

Watching his back, Eleanor bit her lip, in the end deciding to follow him.

Probably couldn’t escape, at least not yet.

Alaric lay on the bed, a sheen of sweat on his forehead, his sharp brows furrowing, handsome and dignified, his dark eyes fixed on Eleanor with a burning intensity.

"Dare to deceive me, and you’ll pay for it." He warned coldly.

Eleanor felt her eye twitch. Was she being pinned with responsibility wrongfully?

She wasn’t the one who drugged Alaric; he should be looking for the culprit, not her. Alas, it was her misfortune.

Among the clutter on the floor, Eleanor found her purse and took out a set of disposable acupuncture needles.

Looking down at Alaric, she commanded, "Take off your clothes."

Alaric didn’t move, just continued to gaze at her.

Eleanor gritted her teeth, thinking that this stubborn man might actually want her to do it.

Up until now, she’d never undressed any man.

Alaric raised his head, warning in his eyes, "Seems like you prefer helping me another way."

Damn! Eleanor glared at him fiercely.

Her gaze was already quietly sliding toward the door, considering whether her speed running there might outpace his.

Alaric saw through her intentions, coldly mocking, "You owe me so much money; even if you sold yourself a few times, it wouldn’t be enough to repay."

Eleanor’s face froze, anger boiling inside her.

It was Estelle who extorted the money! What did it have to do with her, though she did get a share?

Strictly speaking, Alaric made sense.

A woman who’s had a child wasn’t worth much anyways.

Fine, chalk it up to bad luck.

After an internal struggle, Eleanor approached to unbutton Alaric’s shirt.

Instantly, his muscles were exposed, a defined abdomen extending into the shark lines disappearing beneath his slacks. Alaric had an excellent physique.

Feeling awkward, Eleanor averted her gaze.

Her heart picked up speed inexplicably, and she mentally repeated, "Do not look where you shouldn’t..."

The damp shirt was tossed aside, but next up were the pants!

Eleanor spent quite a while building up her psychological defenses, continuously hypnotizing herself.

Alaric is the patient; she is the doctor.

Taking a deep breath, she spoke, "Um...you can take off your pants yourself."

Alaric glanced at her, "Fifty million."

Eleanor gritted her teeth; this man was truly a dog, always threatening her.

Once she siphoned fifty million from Faye Sterling, she’d repay him immediately to stop him from looming over her.