“You can’t do this! How do you expect me to get that kind of money? Have you forgotten how much I sent you yesterday?” Alison shouted into the phone, but the call abruptly disconnected.

Agitated, Alison fumbled with the keypad, her fingers trembling as she redialed the number. This number is switched off, a robotic voice informed her.

“Gosh!” Alison groaned, throwing the phone onto the bed. “What does she think she’s doing? Three hundred million!” She let out a bitter laugh. “Three hundred milli—”

Her words caught in her throat as the door suddenly creaked open, making her jump. Alison bit her tongue, her pulse racing as she turned to see Wilson peeking into the room. Her brows knitted in confusion—How did he even find my room? More importantly, What is he doing here in my parents’ house?

Irritated, Alison narrowed her eyes and snapped, “What are you doing here?”

“Oh,” Wilson muttered awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck.

The gesture only deepened her annoyance. “Get out of my sight!” she barked, her voice sharper this time.

“Wait, calm down, Alison,” Wilson said in a soothing tone as he stepped into the room and shut the door behind him. His movements were deliberate, almost cautious like he was trying not to provoke her further. “To be honest,” he began slowly, his voice soft but steady, “I’m here because I overheard part of your conversation on my way out of the house.”

Alison froze, blinking in disbelief. “Wha… What?” She glanced at her phone and then back at him, flustered. Did I shout that loudly?

Wilson nodded, his lips curling into an infuriating smirk. He took a step closer, but Alison immediately held up a hand. “Don’t come any closer! Leave, Wilson, now!”

Wilson stopped, his expression calm yet probing. “Three hundred million, Alison,” he said, raising a brow. “That’s no small sum. Don’t you think it’s a bit much?” He tilted his head slightly. “But what if I can help you? Not only with the money… but also by finding the criminal.”

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

Alison’s breath caught. “You… you’d help me find the criminal?” Her voice wavered with a mix of disbelief and hope.

Wilson nodded solemnly, his hand moving to his chest as if taking an oath. “You can trust me.”

“For real?” Alison cried out, unable to mask her excitement.

“But,” Wilson said, dragging the word out as he stepped forward, the space between them shrinking, “there’s one condition.”

Alison’s excitement faltered. Her frown deepened as she searched his eyes. “What?” she demanded, unease creeping into her voice. “I’ll do anything, as long as you keep this a secret and help me find the criminal.”

Wilson smiled faintly, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. “No one will hear a word from me, Alison.” Slowly, his arms wrapped around her waist.

“Wha… What are you doing?” Alison stammered, her hands pressing against his shoulders as she tried to push him back.

But Wilson’s grip tightened. He pulled her close, his voice a soft murmur near her ear. “You don’t want anyone to know about your… mistake, do you? And you’ll want my help, won’t you, Alison?”

She froze, the weight of his words sinking in. He brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Won’t you, Alison?” he repeated firmly, his eyes boring into hers.

Alison shivered. “Ali… Alicia…” she stuttered, her voice barely audible.

“Oh, Alicia?” Wilson said with a mocking laugh. “Why are you worried about that bitch? You hate her, don’t you? Stop pretending. Isn’t this the perfect way to get your revenge?”

Her eyes widened, horror spreading across her face. “How do you…?”

"Oh," Wilson cut her off with a dry laugh. "No need to ask questions." Before she could react, he leaned in, pressing his lips to her neck greedily.

"Stop it, Wilson!" Alison pushed him back with force, her chest heaving. "What the hell are you doing? Do I look like one of your side chicks?" she retorted, her voice sharp.

Wilson arched a brow and smirked. "Really? And you want my help?" He shook his head with mock pity. "You are funny, Alison."

"You jerk..." Alison gritted her teeth, her fists clenching at her sides.

"Since you don't want my help, I'll leave." Wilson flashed her a sly grin, turning toward the door. "And don't believe your secret is safe with me."

"Wilson!" Alison grabbed his wrist, yanking him back. "I'm sorry. I... I didn't mean to act cold."

Wilson tilted his head, his brow raised as if testing her sincerity. "Really?" he scoffed, his tone dripping with scepticism.

Alison nodded quickly, her eyes wide with desperation. "I so much need your help."

"It's fine, girl." Wilson ruffled her hair with a condescending air before pulling her abruptly into his arms. His grip was firm, unrelenting. "Everything will be fine as long as you’re mine."

Alison froze, disgust flaring in her chest. How dare he treat me like a thing?

She shoved him back slightly, glaring up at him. "You’re a jerk, and we both know it. Don’t lie to me. Will you help me out of this mess or not?"

Wilson smirked, unfazed by her defiance. "You’re refreshingly blunt, Alison. I like that." He shrugged nonchalantly as if her anger amused him. "I told you to trust me, didn’t I?"

Alison shot him a sharp glare, her voice low and strained. "And what if you fail?"

"I won’t," Wilson said confidently, his words carrying a chilling certainty that made her stomach turn.

Alison held his gaze, searching for any sign of sincerity in his expression. The calm assurance in his eyes both unsettled and unnerved her, like a predator toying with its prey.

“You don’t trust me, do you?” Wilson murmured, his voice softening to an almost tender tone. He leaned in again, brushing his lips lightly against hers, guiding her backwards, step by step, toward the bed.