Chapter 292 Interests First


    Leslie’s POV


    +8 Pearls


    I left the banquet early without saying goodbye to anyone. The words I had just spoken to Kirby had drained every bit of strength from me, leaving my chest tight and aching.


    I didn’t call for a car. I just wanted to walk alone and let the night wind clear my head.


    I hadn’t gone far when Adler caught up. Even after jogging a few steps, his breathing remained steady, the ancient sandalwood scent of his pheromones calm and reassuring.


    “Can’t let a youngdy walk back by herself, can I?” he said with a smile.


    Youngdy? The phrase made me pause, and strangely, some of the heaviness in my heart eased. I smiled, rxing a little. “Then I’ll trouble you, Alpha.”


    “The honor’s all mine.”


    He carried himself withposed elegance, every movement fitting. “This trip Kirby arranged has been memorable. But I suppose this is thest stop, isn’t it? Doesn’t that feel like <i>a </i>shame, Leslie?”


    I looked at him seriously, then smiled. “I think not making money is more of a shame.”


    True,” he nodded. “Profitse first.”


    We bothughed, and in that moment, I realized–we were alike in this.


    The night breeze brushed against us, cool and soothing. I half closed my eyes, savoring the quiet, when Adler suddenly spoke.


    “Leslie, have you ever thought about starting something new? With me?”


    The words hung in the air, heavy and still. I stopped walking, meeting his eyes, my own gaze turning cool.


    After a few seconds of silence, he showed no awkwardness, no retreat. Instead, he smiled calmly, breaking the stillness.


    “You didn’t mishear me, and I won’t take it back.”


    His eyes were steady and earnest, though his tone remained light. “Before, I told you I’d be willing for you to treat me as… a new me, just to deal with Kirby and the others. That wasn’t politeness–it was selfishness. Leslie, that’s what I really want.”


    9:11 Fri, Sep 19 G.


    Chapter 292 Interests First


    (89 )


    9+8 Pearls


    I blinked, unsettled, a flicker of confusion passing through my eyes. “Did that incident give you the wrong impression? I didn’t mean-”


    “Of course I know,” he cut me off, gaze sincere. “You’re not the type <i>to </i>stir things up on purpose. I just saw a chance in it, thought maybe I could win your favor. I take feelings very seriously.”


    His unwavering eyes froze me in ce. The seriousness and humility in him stirred a faint warmth in my chest. Maybe with him, our equal footing could lead to something mutually beneficial–a partnership Kirby could never break apart.


    But I didn’t want to treat myself like a bargaining chip, nor use him to hurt Kirby. That wouldn’t be fair to him.


    I was quiet for a few seconds before speaking heavily. “Alpha, thank you very much for your—”


    “Leslie, don’t be so quick to hand me a rejection card,” he interrupted with a light smile. “I’m not rushing for an answer. I just wanted you to know how I feel. I’m going to pursue you.”


    My heart gave the faintest tremor before I steadied myself again, replying with a polite smile. “Alpha, business is business. Don’t let personal matters make you lose


    your temper…”


    If he failed, I couldn’t afford for it to affect my profits.


    Adler couldn’t helpughing, a touch of helplessness in his expression.


    “Of course. Profits first.”


    “Profits first!” I echoed. We reached an agreement, and just like that, the weight pressing on my chest was gone.


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