Upon hearing my words, a deeper flush crept across her cheeks. She raised her small fist and lightly tapped me, pouting,"You're awful, I don't care about your looks. No, I'm just not that kind of woman."

I felt the soft touch of her punch against my shoulder, yet somehow, my heart stirred as if lightly touched by something. Her gaze held a hint of determination and sincerity that moved me deeply.

"Ryan," she spoke softly, her voice laced with expectation,"after we meet my mom tomorrow evening, will you come out with me? Just us, okay?"

I was taken aback for a moment, turning my head to look at her, a glimmer of confusion in my eyes."Can't you go out and have fun normally?"

Celeste Harrington sighed, her brow knitting in mild exasperation."My mom is so annoying. She won't let me stay out overnight. She says that unless my boyfriend has her approval, I'm free to go out and have fun."

Unable to help myself, I laughed, teasing,"So, you want to get a room?"

Celeste Harrington blushed and pushed him away coquettishly."You're so annoying! I only said I wasn't going back, but I didn't say I wanted to live in the same room with you."

Seeing her annoyance, I quickly wiped the smile off my face and became serious."Do you really think your mom will approve of me?"

Celeste Harrington turned to face me, her eyes steady with conviction."I just have a feeling."

I shook my head, a bittersweet smile on my lips."Your feeling is wrong."

She blinked, looking at me with confusion."Why?"

My expression grew more somber, my voice dropping lower."Because my family is in deep trouble."

Celeste Harrington's heart leapt in her chest, her voice tense with concern."What kind of trouble? Can you tell me?"

Taking a deep breath, I spoke slowly,"My family still owes over ten million in debt."

Her eyes widened in disbelief, staring at me as though she couldn't quite comprehend."That much? You must be joking."

I gave a rueful smile and shook my head."I'm not. My father's company went under, and that's the amount of debt left. That's why I don't want you to suffer with me."

A glimmer of compassion flickered in her eyes, and she gently took my hand, speaking softly,"Ryan, I like you for your sincerity. I don't care if you're in debt. We can pay it off together."

I was stunned. I hadn't expected Celeste Harrington to say such things. My heart swelled with both emotion and confusion."Celeste Harrington, are you sure you're not a little out of your mind?"

She teasingly pinched the flesh at my side and smiled."What are you saying about me?"

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

The pinch stung, making me wince, but a warm feeling spread through me."Ten million, not just a thousand."

Celeste Harrington chuckled, her eyes shining with unwavering determination."Once we're married, it won't be such a big deal. But you'll have to work hard to win me over first."

Her sincerity and determination touched me deeply, and a warm surge of affection flowed through my chest. I realized then that this girl was different from anyone I'd met before—she genuinely liked me. My heart felt light, and I gently squeezed her hand, speaking softly,"Celeste Harrington, thank you. I'll cherish you."

She smiled, her eyes radiant with happiness."Then it's settled. After we meet my mom tomorrow, we'll go out together, okay?"

I nodded, smiling warmly."Okay, I promise."

After I dropped her off at her gated community, I couldn't help but notice the lavish surroundings—an estate with villas. She tugged gently on my hand."Ryan, I don't want to go back."

"Be good, your mom's probably called you three times already on the way here," I said, softly stroking her silky hair.

She suddenly embraced me, her eyes filled with deep affection."Ryan, I've really fallen for you."

My heart seemed to be struck by her confession, yet I maintained my composure, gently pressing a kiss to her forehead."Go home, we'll see each other tomorrow."

She smiled faintly, slipping inside her house with the lightness of a breeze, leaving me to savor her words in the quiet of the night.

Upon returning to the hotel, I had barely stepped inside when Theo Westbrook, having heard the noise, quickly knocked on my door. His eyes gleamed with curiosity."Word is, you've captured the heart of the lovely Celeste Harrington from Vanguard Industries?"

"Who told you that?" I asked, intrigued.

Theo grinned smugly."Who else? Almost everyone saw Celeste holding you tight as the two of you walked out together. If you hadn't won her over, I'd be shocked. You know, being handsome is truly the ultimate tool for winning over women—didn't even need to spend a dime and you've already got a stunning beauty."

I shook my head in resignation."Please, I'm pursuing her with sincerity, not just looks."

Theo scoffed."Sincerity doesn't cost a thing. Try using my kind of sincerity and see how far it gets you."

I sighed, a little exasperated."Honestly, you still don't believe me, do you? I even told her about the huge debts my family owes. Isn't that sincere enough?"

Theo suddenly leaned closer, speaking in a mysterious tone."But you'd better watch out. Sophie Summers isn't too pleased with you chasing women. She might think you're a little too... flirtatious and worry about the influence you could have on her."

Upon hearing that, a surge of excitement filled me."Really? Did she say anything about transferring me?"

Theo looked at me, perplexed."Transfer you? Why would she transfer you?"

"Didn't you say she was displeased with me? That I might have a negative influence on her?"

Theo shrugged."I was just speculating, it's not necessarily true."

I felt a twinge of disappointment."So it was all just wishful thinking."

Theo studied me with a teasing look."You really don't want to be around Sophie Summers, do you?"

I forced a smile."You try it yourself."

Theo Westbrook burst into laughter,"I'll pass on that. With my physique, I'd just spoil Sophie Summers' mood. But honestly, you could go after her—you're wealthy and have personality."

I shuddered at the thought, remembering Lina's icy expression, and quickly shook my head."She's got way too much personality for me. If I tried to pursue her, Lucas Steele would probably come at me with an eighty-meter-long sword."

Theo laughed even harder."Ha! You're really scared, aren't you? But seriously, Celeste Harrington is genuine in her feelings for you, don't let her down."

I nodded, though my heart felt complicated. Celeste's confession had deeply touched me, but I knew that the weight of my family's debts and the uncertainty of the future made it difficult for me to easily embrace a relationship, especially one progressing so quickly.

Noticing my silence, Theo patted me on the shoulder."Don't overthink it. Take things one step at a time. When it comes to matters of the heart, sometimes it's better to let things unfold naturally."