Chapter 9 Only a Tycoon Deserves You
Clara hadn’t expected him to say that and froze in place. Archer found her stunned expression amusing. This woman has great acting skills—what a waste she’s not an actress. Clara forced a laugh. “If your grandfather found out you were doing such things, he’d be heartbroken.” Archer smirked teasingly. “I bow to poverty to make a living. Judging by your tone, you pity me. Why don’t you keep me as your boy toy? I’ll make sure to serve you well.” He leaned in deliberately, his words slow and deliberate in her ear. His warm breath brushed against her skin, carrying an unmistakable sense of flirtation. Clara’s face flushed red. She glared at him. “I swear I’d smash your shameless face with my shoes.” Archer’s expression said it all. Go ahead if you dare. Clara rolled her eyes, muttered “shameless,” and turned to leave. Archer chuckled coldly, watching her go before heading to the VIP area with the manager. “Clara,” Laura asked, her curiosity piqued, “what were you talking about with that man? It looked… kind of flirty.” “Flirty? Please, something bad happened yesterday,” Clara replied, her annoyance evident. “What? Let me go teach him a lesson!” Laura exclaimed, ready to march over. “Forget it,” Clara said with a sigh. “I’m moving today. Let me treat you to dinner instead.” “Now that’s an offer I can’t refuse!” Still, Laura glanced in the direction Archer had gone, feeling like she’d seen him somewhere before. “Mr. Dane,” the manager said enthusiastically, “which of these villas do you prefer?” “That one,” Archer replied, pointing decisively. “Excellent choice, Mr. Dane! I’ll handle the paperwork right away,” the manager said, beaming. “Mm,” Archer murmured, his expression neutral. Meanwhile, Clara also completed the paperwork for her new villa. Holding the keys, she turned to Laura. “Since your husband’s away on a business trip, why don’t you stay with me for a few days? It’s a bit too quiet living alone.” “Alright,” Laura agreed happily. The two drove to the Jiangfeng Gardens villa community. “This is it—198,” Clara announced as they arrived. She unlocked the door and set up the digital lock. “Wow, Clara! This place is huge. It’s no wonder you don’t want to live here alone. But I can’t always stay with you. Maybe you should start dating and get married. Then you’ll have someone to keep you company.” Clara shook her head with a helpless smile. “I’m not in a hurry to get married.” Laura teased her. “Clara, you’re amazing. Only someone truly exceptional could be good enough for you. My husband once mentioned a really impressive tycoon in Aurevia—handsome, rich, and powerful. His surname is Dane… Only a man like that would suit you.” Clara laughed. “Dane? Do you even know his full name?” Laura tapped her head. “Pregnancy brain! I can’t remember!” “Forget it. Let’s go. I’ll cook us something special.” “Wow! Getting to eat Clara’s cooking—this must be my reward for saving the galaxy in my past life!” At the same time, Archer arrived at his villa next door, 197. “197,” he muttered to himself, unlocking the door. “Peace and quiet at last. No more Grandpa nagging me about marriage.” He stepped inside and sat down, only to hear his stomach growl. From across the street, the smell of delicious food wafted into the air, catching Archer’s attention. He got up, deciding to head out for a meal. Just as he drove off, Clara stepped out of her villa. Their cars passed each other by chance, neither noticing the other. “Laura, I’m going to bring some food to the neighbors,” Clara said. She walked to the villa across from hers and knocked on the door. After waiting for a while with no response, she turned back. Laura, her cheeks stuffed with food, called out, “Clara, I don’t think anyone’s home. Come back and eat!” “Alright,” Clara said with a shrug, heading back inside to enjoy lunch.