At this point in time, Cole was not going to be threatened by the photographs in Talia’s hands.
“Talia, this incident has already grown beyond our control. Mr. Doyle isn’t stupid, and if we keep this up, both of us will end up in trouble. Let me get straight to the point. What do you want me to do so that you’ll take the fall?” He asked.
Talia clenched her fists tightly. The man sounded as though he did not wish to be implicated at all.
If she did not take the fall, it would soon be over for the both of them.
Talia said, “I can’t be the only one to claim responsibility in this incident, Dr. Kidman. You’re already a veteran in this industry, and you have strong backing from your family. Even if you were exposed, you still have other options. I’m only a nameless rookie, and my future would be ruined if I have to take the fall!”
Cole glanced at her coldly. He did not like it when she spoke to him like that. “Take the fall, and I’ll give you money.”
“Money? You can give me a million dollars, but that’s not going to last me for the rest of my life. What I need is career stability. I’ve already told you that before I slept with you, and the only reason I’m doing this is so that you can give me what I want. Now that the cat is out of the bag, you’re not going to sacrifice me to save your skin, right?” Talia was becoming emotional when she saw that the man was so heartless.
She was born in a small town, and she did not graduate from a remarkable university. It was not easy for her to gain a foothold in A City. Even though Cole had helped her, those promises amounted to nothing in the face of the crisis.
If she were found guilty, she would have to go to jail. Even if Cole hired the best lawyers for her, the record could not be erased, and she would be ruined for the rest of her life. She was not going to be stupid to take the fall herself.
Cole narrowed his gaze. When he remembered the photos in her hands, he clenched his fists and pounded heavily on the table. “What do you want, Talia? Don’t make me regret sleeping with you.”
From Cole’s reaction, Talia knew that either of them would have to take the fall.
She would be willing to take the fall If Cole could guarantee that he would provide for her for the rest of her life. Thinking that she would be the only victim in the entire incident, she took a deep breath and said, “Enough talk. You want me to take the fall alone, right? I can do that, but you have to promise me one thing.”
“What is it?” Cole saw a ray of hope. He was willing to agree to whatever she said as long as she took the fall and did not publicize those photos.
“I want you to sign a contract with me. In the contract, you will promise to divorce your current wife, and when I get out of jail, you will marry me and never divorce me. If you want to divorce me, you will have to concede all your property to me,” Talia said. She had to find a way out for herself.
If she could live her life comfortably in the future, she would be willing to take the fall for him.
Cole’s expression sank when he heard that. “No. I can’t agree to that.”
Even though he was disappointed with his wife because she was infertile, he did not plan to divorce her. She came from a wealthy and influential family, and Cole wanted to be a part of it. Belongs to - All rights reserved.
If he divorced his current wife, he might lose everything he had, and Cole did not want that to happen.
Talia chuckled coldly as she glared at him. She had been willing to give him a chance, but it seemed that the man only wanted her youthful body and had no affection for her. “Let’s get arrested together then. If you want to sacrifice me, don’t think that you can get away scot-free.”
“Are you threatening me?” Cole’s eyes widened. “To me, you’re nothing more than an ant. I can crush you easily.”
Talia knew what he said was true, but she was not afraid because she had the photos and recordings. “I know that you can crush me easily, but don’t think that your troubles are over if you get rid of me.”
Cole knew very well what she meant, and he managed to douse the sudden urge to strangle her. He kneaded his hands and tried to negotiate with her, “We can still talk about this, Talia. If you can agree to what I say, I promise I’ll take care of you for the rest of your life after you get out of jail.”
Talia might be convinced if he had not said that earlier. Now that he did, she was sure that he was willing to lie to her so that he got off the hook.
“I’m done talking. It’s either you divorce your wife and marry me, or we can go to jail together,” Talia said.
Cole stood up abruptly and clenched his fists. He wanted to punch Talia’s face.
He managed to stop himself as his fist swung through the air. If Talia was injured in his office, there was no way he could explain it…
“Alright then, Talia. You’ve forced my hand. No one will care if you suddenly find yourself dead in a ditch tonight!” Cole said.
Talia’s heart skipped a beat. That was a barefaced threat.
She considered if she should publicize the photos and recordings in case she met an untimely end.
She stood up and glared into Cole’s eyes. “I didn’t expect you to be so heartless, Cole Kidman!”
Upon finishing the sentence, she felt a sudden bout of dizziness, and she immediately gripped the table.
Cole did not have any sympathy for her, even though her face was deathly pale. He had nothing but disgust for her.
“Get out of my office!” He roared sternly.
Even though their relationship was purely one born out of mutual benefit and not of true affection, she had expected the man who slept with her to show the least bit of sympathy to her instead of wanting to kill her or asking her to leave.
Her heart wrenched, though she did not want to show any weakness to the man. She bit her lip and prepared to walk out.
She had just turned around when her head started to spin again. She fell down limply and lost consciousness.
Cole quickly reached out and grabbed the woman.
Talia fell on his body and did not make a sound.
“Stop pretending, Talia Sullivan!” Cole said while tapping her cheek.
Talia did not give any response.
Cole tapped her cheek again. He remembered Mo telling him that Talia was not feeling well today.
“What a bother!” He cursed under his breath. Then, he carried her over to the couch, laid her down, and dialed for an ambulance.