Chapter 9 The One Who Has a Contract with You Is Me

Laura felt increasingly uneasy, a kind of sadness she couldn't quite put into words was overwhelming her.

But she couldn't tell the man she loved the most about it; she had to just keep it all to herself.

Until her emotional defenses completely crumbled, and tears started streaming down her face.

Unable to hold back, she threw herself into Alexander's arms.

Her tears silently told the story of her sorrow.

Eventually, she broke into loud sobs.

"Go ahead, let it out. You'll feel better," Alexander said, seeing her state and guessing she must have encountered something serious. He didn't press her for details, just held her tightly and softly comforted her, "Laura, remember, no matter what happens, I'll always be here for you."

In Alexander's embrace, Laura finally let out all her pent-up frustrations, her tears flowing uncontrollably.

When she had cried until her voice was hoarse, she slowly stopped, lifted her head with a flushed face, and said between sobs, "I'm sorry, Alexander, I got your shirt all wet."

"It's okay," Alexander sighed inwardly but kept a warm smile on his face, "It's just a shirt. As long as you feel better, I'll do anything."

This genuine concern slowly eased Laura's pain and resentment, replacing it with a deep sense of gratitude and guilt.

"Alexander, I... I don't deserve your kindness. Please, don't be so good to me," she said haltingly, feeling conflicted inside.

"Laura, what are you talking about? What do you mean you don’t deserve my kindness? Haven't I always been like this? I've always loved you," Alexander said, frowning, his handsome face filled with confusion.

"Alexander!" Laura seemed terrified of the word "love." She screamed, cutting him off, and said incoherently, "Don't talk about love. We can't go back to the past. I know you're good to me, or you wouldn't be here with me at this time. Oh no!"

She suddenly exclaimed, remembering Anna's warning: "Be back in your room by nine."

Oh my God! What time is it now?

Laura panicked and quickly checked her phone. It was already 9:30!

Her face turned pale with fear. She was half an hour late!

Without explaining, she pushed Alexander away and dashed out of the café.

Alexander was startled by her reaction, not knowing what was happening, and instinctively got up to follow her.

"Laura! Where are you going?"

"Don't follow me!" Laura's voice echoed from afar, "I have an urgent matter. I'll contact you later!"

"But you..." Alexander wanted to chase after her, but his phone rang.

He had to stop and answer the call.

"Hello? Yes, Mr. President, what can I do for you?"

By the time he finished the call, Laura was long gone.

She had only one thought in her mind: she had to get back to the Manhattan Hotel as quickly as possible.

Otherwise, she didn't know what terrible things might happen.

The Manhattan Hotel was still as luxurious and grand as ever, its neon lights flickering, beautiful like a dream.

But Laura had no time to appreciate it. She ran all the way to Room 888, not even pausing to catch her breath, and burst through the door, reaching for the light switch.

"I told you, don't turn on the lights when you enter this room!" A hoarse and commanding voice suddenly rang out in the darkness, stopping Laura in her tracks.

"And clearly, you didn't take my words seriously. It's already ten o'clock."

Laura froze.

She recognized the voice of the mysterious masked man from the previous night.

Oh no, she was verylate.

She slowly lowered her hand, trying to keep her voice calm.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be late."

Sitting on the dimly lit sofa, the masked man seemed to let out a cold laugh.

His eyes, hidden behind the mask, glowed eerily, making her feel scared.

"So, who did you see tonight?" His voice was as cold as ice, each word like it came out of a freezer.

"No one!" Laura's face turned pale, and she screamed in denial as soon as he finished speaking.

Her quick reaction seemed to suggest she was afraid of being exposed if she hesitated even for one second.

But such a reaction only made her look more suspicious.

The masked man let out another cold laugh.

This time, his voice was devoid of any warmth.

" I hate it when someone lies to me. There will be consequences when it happens. I'll give you one more chance. Who did you see tonight?"

The icy voice made Laura shiver involuntarily.

But she wasn't about to back down. She let out a cold laugh and retorted, "Who I was seeing tonight is none of your business. I'm only here to repay a debt. You have no right to interfere with my personal life. Besides, you said you wouldn't restrict my freedom."

"I did say that," the masked man slowly stood up.

Even in the darkness, his tall and imposing figure under the moonlight felt oppressive.

"But the condition was that you must return to this room by nine, and clearly, you didn't."

"I..." Laura knew she was in the wrong, and her voice involuntarily lowered.

"I know I was late, but I really didn't mean to be. I ran into an old friend tonight, and we talked a bit longer than I realized."

The masked man was silent for a moment, then let out another cold laugh, and said : "Alexander Baker?"

Laura's face instantly turned pale. She angrily retorted, "You had someone follow me? How despicable! But I should have known. How could you possibly trust me to go out alone? You're afraid I'll run away, aren't you?"

"I'm not afraid you'll run away. I'm afraid you'll get hurt and not even know it." Despite being called "despicable," the masked man didn't seem angry. He explained calmly.

"When you threw yourself into Alexander Baker's arms earlier, he was sensible enough. If he had any improper intentions, I would have dealt with him!"

"You're a madman!" Realizing that Alexander was under the masked man's control, Laura was both furious and anxious, her words becoming more erratic.

"The contract is between you and me. It has nothing to do with anyone else. Why are you dragging innocent people into this?"