He Faked Poverty, Tricked Me Into an Abortion, All for a Bet Chapter 08

He Faked Poverty, Tricked Me Into an Abortion, All for a Bet Chapter 08

Lena did not keep me waiting long.

Early the next morning, she called me.

“Don’t go to the warehouse today. Come to the private club early this afternoon. I’ve arranged a makeup artist and a stylist for you.”

“Okay.”

“And don’t eat anything with a strong smell.”

“Okay.”

After a brief pause, she added, “You still have time to change your mind.”

I smiled faintly.

“I already have too many regrets. I don’t want to regret this too.”

By the time Ethan woke up, I had just finished making breakfast.

“You’re not going to the factory today?” he asked in surprise.

“No. Not today.”

He studied my expression carefully.

Perhaps he thought I seemed to be in a better mood, because his face relaxed too.

He came over, wrapped his arms around me, and gently rocked me from side to side.

“Is your grandmother doing any better?”

“She’s awake. The doctor says she needs hip replacement surgery, and we have to prepare fifteen

thousand dollars.”

The room went silent.

“But my uncle said they could cover it for now, and I can repay them slowly.” I smiled, keeping my tone light. “I’ve been exhausted lately, so I want to take the day off.”

“Erin, actually…”

He seemed about to say something, but stopped.

“Let’s eat,” I said. “I don’t want to talk about anything upsetting today.”

The pumpkin oatmeal smelled wonderful and tasted sweet.

I ate less than half a bowl.

Ethan said he would skip the construction site too and stay home so we could relax together.

“No need. I already made plans to go shopping with a friend.” I smiled and shook my head. “Go to work. You really don’t need to worry about me.”

He thought about it, still uneasy, then transferred eighty dollars to me.

“Get yourself something good to eat. Don’t try to save every cent. You’ve gotten too thin lately.”

Before leaving, he stroked my hair and bent down to kiss my cheek.

“Wait for me to come home.”

“Of course.”

I watched him leave, then took a deep breath.

Lcleaned every corner of the apartment thoroughly and packed up everything that belonged to me.

Shortly after noon, I left.

When I met Lena, she got straight to the point.

“I found you a long-term benefactor. He’s the guest you met last night. His name is Lucas Grant.

He’s five years older than you. He has a reputation for being a playboy, but he doesn’t have any dangerous habits. He’s interested in you and wants an exclusive arrangement for a while. This is

the contract.”

I opened the contract, still confused, and glanced through it.

“I thought I was coming here to work as a club companion.”

“You’d only be with him. You wouldn’t have to drink with guests or entertain anyone else. It’s much safer than working as a club companion.”

Lena continued, “I asked around. Most of the women who were with Lucas before left without any

serious disputes. By the time he gets tired of the arrangement, you’ll still have enough money to go

home, buy a house, take your grandmother with you, and start over.”

She looked at me seriously.

“Erin, think carefully about this opportunity.”

For the first time, Lena placed both hands on my shoulders and looked directly into my eyes.

“You still have plenty of chances to rebuild your life. Don’t give up on yourself.”

After my makeup and hair were done, I tried on several dresses.

At last, the woman in the mirror looked polished and beautiful.

Lena studied me with satisfaction.

“Not bad. Come with me. Don’t keep him waiting.”

Inside the private suite, Lucas sat with one ankle resting over his opposite knee.

He looked me up and down before nodding.

“Not bad. This look suits you.”

Then he added, “Though you look good without makeup too. You just look exhausted. You probably

haven’t been sleeping well.”

He turned to Lena.

“Recommend a few reliable salons and spas to her. If she keeps staying up late, she’ll age fast

unless she takes better care of herself.”

Lena gave a small gesture of acknowledgment, caught my eye, and left once she understood what I

wanted.

“Come here.”

Lucas crooked a finger at me.

I walked toward him stiffly.

Halfway across the room, I nearly twisted my ankle and barely managed to keep myself from

falling.

Lucas laughed.

“Relax. You don’t need to be this nervous. I’m not going to hurt you.”

He leaned back in his seat.

“Lena explained everything, didn’t she? This only happens if we both agree. I won’t force you into

anything.”

I nodded quietly.

“Where do you live now?”

I froze for a second, then gave him the address.

He frowned and thought for a moment.

“That run-down apartment complex in the bad part of town?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s go.”

He stood up.

“Where are we going?” I asked, confused, though I followed him.

“To move your things.”

His expression was openly disdainful.

“I’m not going to a place like that every time I want to see you.

His legs were long, and the heels made it difficult for me to keep up.

I had to hurry after him.

“Can

you manage?” Lucas asked. “Don’t twist your ankle.”

He was paying me so much money.

Even if I could not manage, I had to.

“Forget it. Hold on to my arm.”

He extended his arm toward me.

I cautiously slipped my hand around it.

When I saw no rejection on his face, I finally relaxed.

The moment we walked out of the private club, I spotted Ethan and a group of people standing near

the entrance.

They were laughing and talking.

I vaguely heard phrases like “the bet,” “make it fifteen grand,” and “she’ll probably be so touched she’ll cry.”

I instinctively lowered my head, afraid Ethan would notice me.

But the next second, my phone screen lit up.

Ethan was calling.