Michael turned to Rena and said, "Starting today, you''re my girlfriend. But only in name. You get that, right? I know your mother is ill and needs arge amount of money for medical expenses. I will cover these costs for you, but only as long as I need you."


    "If you dare to reveal our rtionship to anyone," Michael''s voice was low but unmistakably firm, his eyes coldly fixed on Rena, "I will terminate the contract immediately, and you will owe me a substantial penalty."


    His tone was severe, and the ruthless words struck Rena like a chilling wave, piercing her heart deeply. Her face paled slightly, and her eyes were filled with anxiety and uncertainty.


    "But only in name. You get that, right?"


    "I know your mom''s really sick and needs a lot of money for her medical bills. I''ll cover those expenses until I don''t need you anymore."


    "If you tell anyone about our arrangement, I''ll end the contract immediately, and you''ll owe me a big penalty."


    "Rena, we''re simply meeting each other''s needs," Michael continued. "During the period when you are my nominal girlfriend, all your expenses will be covered by me. I''ll see to it that you go to the best schools, wear the finest clothes, and live in the best houses. However, when I need you, you must be avable at all times."


    Each word was clear and powerful, like invisible chains tightly binding Rena. Her heart pounded, unable to ignore his threats and temptations.


    "Think it over," Michael''s voice softened slightly, yet still carried an irresistible force. "I''ll have someone draft a contract."


    Michael''s words hit Rena like a heavy hammer, striking her heart. Her mind was in turmoil; everything was happening so suddenly that she couldn''t make a decision.


    Rena''s hand trembled slightly, and she bit her lower lip, trying to calm herself down. She knew Michael''s words were not empty threats; this man always meant what he said.


    After thinking for a moment, she said, "Mr. Martin, I can''t do this."


    Michael wasn''t surprised by her refusal. He continued, "Why? Your mom''s about to have surgery, and the million dors needed for it is way beyond your family''s means. Sure, you could ask Chloe for a loan, but think about how you''d pay her back. Rena, you''re smart. I believe you''ll make the right choice before we get to our destination." With that, Michael leaned back against the leather seat of the luxury car and closed his eyes, pretending to sleep.


    He knew Rena was a devoted daughter and wouldn''t let her sick mother go without surgery. She would agree.


    Michael had a firm grasp on human nature.


    Rena sat beside Michael, deep in thought.


    She came from a poor family, and getting into Quest University was already a big deal.


    She liked Michael and wanted to be his assistant. Just being around him made her happy. Although she liked him, she never thought about dating him.


    She was well aware of the gap between them.


    Her mom was sick and needed a million dors for surgery, a fact she hadn''t shared with anyone.


    But Michael was using this to make her his girlfriend.


    Rena knew he just wanted to use her to get rid of the women around him. She liked Michael but didn''t want to be his pawn.


    However, for her mom''s sake, she had no other options.


    Michael''s offer was too generous to refuse.


    She wanted to be a girl with principles, but those principles were contingent on her and her family''s well-being.


    Rena began to calcte in her mind.


    Ten minutester, the cars stopped at the entrance of the scenic area. As Michael was about to get out, he said to Rena, "If you agree, link your arm with mine when I get out. You can refuse, but I believe you''ll make the right choice."


    Michael got out of the car with an air of arrogance. After a moment of contemtion, Rena naturally linked her arm with his.


    Seeing this, a barely noticeable smile appeared on Michael''s lips.


    The scenery in Oceancrest City was stunning. The group hiked and enjoyed the views. Chloe, who loved sports and often sketched, was particrly fond of the environment. Taking advantage of a moment when Grant and Michael were talking, she pulled Rena aside for a chat.


    "Rena, what did Michael say to you in the car? You looked upset when you got out," Chloe asked, her concern evident.


    Rena quickly forced a smile. "Chloe, I''m happy. We''re all out having fun together. How could I not be happy?"


    Chloe looked at Rena, puzzled. "When you got out, I saw you link arms with Michael. Are you nning to ept his affection?" she asked with concern.


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    Although she hadn''t known Rena for long, Rena''s sincerity had deeply moved Chloe. Especially when everyone else thought Chloe was ugly and ndered her, the usual timid Rena stood by her side and spoke up for her. Naturally, Chloe felt a special fondness for Rena.


    Hearing Chloe''s question, Rena smiled. She took Chloe''s hand and said, "Chloe, you know I like Michael. Last time we were drinking, I even joked with Zara aboutpeting for him.


    Now, clearly said he likes me and wants to date me. How could I refuse? Yes, I have to tell you, we''re together now."


    Rena straightforwardly admitted her rtionship with Michael.


    Since it was a mutual confession and agreement, Chloe, as an outsider, couldn''t say much.


    But as a friend, she cautiously reminded Rena. "Rena, Michael is in the entertainment industry. He''s never short of women around him. Plus, hees from a good family and is very ambitious. There''s a gap between you two.


    I hope you stay clear-headed no matter what. Remember, it''s okay to love him, but you must love yourself more. Got it?"


    Chloe''s reminder made Rena nod heavily. She smiled bitterly and said, "Don''t worry, I know."


    After chatting for a while, they saw Grant and Michael each looking at their phones. After a while, they called Chloe and Rena over.


    Grant said warmly to Chloe, "Chloe, I have some news... We need to head back down. my Grandpa ising to Oceancrest City."


    "What? Louis ising to Oceancrest City?" Chloe asked, worried.


    Grant nodded. "Yes, he ising to visit a good friend and will be staying in Oceancrest City for a while. He heard we''re here and said we should all meet up. Chloe, are you excited?"


    Grant''s words left Chloe feeling a bit flustered. Louising to Oceancrest City didn''t make her happy. Because of the family engagement, she felt like an ugly bride about to meet her inws.