Chapter 13: Are You That Cheap?

Willow was dragged by Jaxon to the hospital.

Jaxon knew how to wear people down. For such a minor injury, he managed to stay at the hospital for two full hours.

By the time he drove Willow home, it was already 9 PM.

Willow was in a bad mood, but she still apologized to Jaxon. "I'm sorry for getting you involved today, Jaxon."

Jaxon's feelings were more complicated than hers.

He had assumed that since Willow had broken up with Grant, he would have a chance with her. Little did he know that Hunter Hawke would appear on the scene.

Though Hunter had maintained a serious demeanor, in just the brief time he was there, his gaze had thoroughly examined every inch of Willow's body. Jaxon wasn't blind—he could clearly see it.

He didn't dare compete openly with Hunter.

The Hawke family held an extraordinary position in Brooksville. Although Jaxon was serious about Willow, he wasn't willing to risk his entire family for the sake of his love.

Jaxon turned his head to look at Willow.

In a joking tone, he said, "Willow, if we're both still single in a few years, would you consider me?"

With Hunter's earlier hints, Willow had somewhat guessed his feelings.

She didn't want to harm Jaxon.

Willow shook her head and said, "Jaxon, once my father is released, I'll probably leave Brooksville. I... don't have those kinds of thoughts right now."

Jaxon gazed at her quietly.

Suddenly, he smiled. "I was just joking! Did you take me seriously? It's getting cold... go on up! Don't worry about your father's case. I'll speak to my father about it again."

Willow was grateful that he didn't press the issue.

As Willow got out of the car, Jaxon suddenly called after her. "Willow!"

Willow turned to look at him.

Jaxon sat in the car, waving to her... Somehow, Willow's eyes became a little moist.

She watched the car drive away before entering the entrance hall.

The lightbulb must have burned out, as the first floor was quite dim. Willow took out her phone to turn on the flashlight.

Suddenly, her waist was grabbed from behind, a warm hand firmly covering her mouth as she was dragged into the stairwell.

"Mmph... let me go!"

As she wished, the man's hand moved away, only to be replaced by something warm covering her lips.

The familiar masculine scent stunned Willow.

It was Grant...

Willow bit down and slapped him hard. The sound echoed as all the lights mysteriously came on at once.

Willow had used all her strength. She leaned against the wall, gasping desperately like a fish out of water.

Grant's face was grim.

"Are you that cheap? Anyone will do?"

Willow tilted her head back, her eyes hot with emotion.

She laughed instead of getting angry. "Yes! I am cheap! Anyone but you will do... Grant, are you satisfied with that answer?"

Grant's expression darkened further.

He grabbed Willow's neck, veins bulging on his forehead.

"You wouldn't dare!"

"Why wouldn't I dare? Grant, you've already ruined me so badly. What wouldn't I dare to do now?"

...

Grant suddenly released her.

He took out a pack of cigarettes, only to find it empty. He crumpled it and threw it on the ground, then looked at Willow again. "Leave Brooksville! I'll buy you a villa, and your father will be fine!"

Willow trembled with anger.

Her lips quivering, she demanded, "You set all this up just to make me your mistress? Grant, you're truly ruthless!"

Grant's expression remained calm. "Willow, opposing me brings no benefits. I have plenty of ways to deal with you."

Aunt Rhea appeared in the hallway, holding a mop.

She started hitting Grant wildly with it, cursing angrily.

"You bastard! If you dare harass Willow again, I'll beat you to death!"

Tears welled in Willow's eyes.

Aunt Rhea turned and said softly, "The Lopez family doesn't sell its daughters."

Across from them, Grant smiled mockingly.

Hah! Not selling daughters?