Treating Mr. Billionaire

~ 14 ~

"This doesn't look like a clinic," was her first utterance as Maria stepped out of the vehicle, her eyes scanning a building that looked too sophisticated for a health center. It was a huge structure, made of marble and glass, with a large frontage and a grand staircase leading up to the main entrance. There was a large glittering sign hanging above the large doors that read 'Glamorous You'. From where she came from, health centers shouldn't look that fancy.

"It isn't." Jayden clarified before she even got to ask and came down from the car as well. "This is a beauty and fashion house, the best in town." He added with pride, holding his arm wide to encompass all the opulent buildings behind him.

Maria already figured it out judging by the look of it but still couldn't help but get stunned by his nonchalant revelation. She couldn't believe he was unsympathetic about playing her for a fool twice. She turned to face him instantly, her blue hues blinking in annoyance. "Why would we come here??" She puzzled greatly, her harsh tone rising in disbelief and frustration.

Jayden crossed his arms and his gaze darted to the building in a flash. "Do you want to go to a party dressed like that?" His eyes came back as he spoke, scanning over the casual clothes she was wearing.

Her eyebrows shot upwards in surprise and then dropped, forming a straight line as she glared at him in response. "What are you talking about?" Maria rolled her eyes at how easily he dismissed her attire. There was nothing bad about putting on baggy clothes for someone visiting a grocery in her neighborhood. But she had more critical topics to debate about other than her choice of clothes.

She exhaled deeply before releasing her following words. "I will not be going anywhere, doing anything that has nothing to do with my job as your doctor, Mr. Stanley." She announced heatedly, her eyes shooting knives at the man whose eyes were narrowed sharply in response. "You should start to learn how to respect other people's opinions." She advised, her tone lowered in sincerity.

His expression remained unapologetic, his jaw set stubbornly. He did not talk for a long time, his silence making Maria feel frustrated. She shifted uncomfortably, biting her bottom lip while staring at him. Her patience was slowly fading away as she waited for him to speak, her eyes darting around restlessly.

"Forget this..." She murmured with exasperation, peeling her eyes off his unblinking stare. "I will just get the hell out of here." She added, moving forward back to the limousine to retrieve her shopping bag.

Her plan was ruined when Jayden swiftly moved to block her path and grabbed her wrist firmly, stopping her from walking further.

Maria spun to glower at the predicted intruder. She heaved heavily to maintain her cool as her spirit heated up at his audacity. "Let me go!" She snapped at him, feeling infuriated by the way he kept treating her. She struggled to pull out her hand but he was adamant in preventing her from escaping his grasp. "Do you think I'm some kind of pushover--"

"I will be paying you a thousand dollars for every hour you spend with me." Jayden cut her off, his voice low and husky.

Maria froze at his declaration, her eyes widening in shock. Her lashes flickered repeatedly as she recalled the ridiculous amount of money he just offered. "Thousand do-dollars?" The words escaped her addled brain before she quickly adjusted her emotions. She cleared her throat, feeling stupid to have gotten swayed for a second there.

"Deal?" He asked, still holding her wrist firmly, his stare unwavering and intense.

Maria shook her head in denial and lowered her vision to the ground. No matter how juicy and enticing his offer might seem, she didn't want to be tempted. Signs of desperation were the first step to losing her integrity and dignity.