Chapter 4 Selling the Body for Money

Chloe's heart pounded like a drum.

Donovan strode into the office, his long legs and sharp suit giving off an intimidating vibe.

Chloe took a deep breath and approached him. "Mr. Blake."

Donovan stopped, turned, and fixed her with a piercing gaze.

"What is it?" His voice was cold, almost icy.

Chloe clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. "Mr. Blake, I need to talk about the marriage agreement again."

Donovan's lips curled into a mocking smile; he looked down at her, "Ms. Baker, are you playing hard to get?"

Chloe's cheeks flushed. She bit her lip, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Mr. Blake, that's not what I'm doing."

Donovan raised an eyebrow, his gaze intense. "Chloe, get to the point."

Chloe took another deep breath, gathering her courage. "Mr. Blake, I agree to the marriage. But I need more money."

Donovan sneered. "How much are we talking?"

"I..." Chloe's voice trembled. "I want to buy a house for my boyfriend, so five million dollars might not be enough."

Donovan's face grim, a look of disgust flashing in his eyes. "Chloe, do you think I'm an ATM?"

He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming.

"Chloe, I can give you any amount of money, but remember, there's no such thing as a free lunch."

"I understand," Chloe nodded, her eyes determined. "I'll do whatever it takes."

Donovan turned his back to her. "Your base salary will be one million dollars. Plus, I'll evaluate your performance."

Chloe's heart raced and she thought, 'What if I fail the evaluation...'

"In two years, I'll give you a villa," Donovan added.

Chloe was stunned. She hadn't expected Donovan to be so generous. "Thank you, Mr. Blake."

Donovan turned around, his gaze sharp. "Chloe, don't get too excited. This is just the beginning."

"I understand." Chloe took a deep breath. "Is there anything else?"

Donovan handed her an agreement. It was a prenuptial agreement, detailing property division and some special clauses.

Making his grandfather smile once, $10,000; cooking a delicious meal for his grandfather, $20,000; accompanying his grandfather during a hospital stay, $100,000. After his grandfather's death, assisting with the funeral, $1,000,000. Annual performance bonus: $5,000,000.

Chloe felt a mix of emotions as she read the clauses.

Until she saw the last page: Upon signing this agreement, the male party will pay the female party an advance of $200,000.

Additional clause: Any matters not covered in this contract are subject to the male party's interpretation.

Chloe's eyes lit up at the $200,000 advance. She quickly signed her name, every small movement and expression noticed by Donovan.

Donovan put away the agreement and took out his phone, his tone indifferent. "Add me on WhatsApp for easier contact."

Chloe quickly took out her phone and added Donovan, saving his contact as Mike.

He and she were from different worlds. Just being a part of his life was enough to make her feel overwhelmed.

Donovan snorted and waved her off. Chloe turned and left.

After work, her phone vibrated. Donovan had sent a message: [See you at City Hall at 9 AM tomorrow.]

Chloe gripped her phone tightly, went home, and retrieved her driver's license from the deepest part of her drawer. She also bought a red blouse from the mall.

The next morning, Chloe dressed carefully, wearing the new red blouse, and headed to City Hall.

The car ride was silent, the atmosphere suffocating.

City Hall was bustling with people, filled with joy.

Chloe and Donovan stood side by side, yet it felt like an invisible wall separated them.

Taking photos, filling out forms, taking an oath... When she received the marriage certificate, she felt a surreal sense of disbelief.

She was really married.

She had married a man who had taken her virginity but was practically a stranger.

As they walked out of City Hall, the sunlight was blinding.

Chloe instinctively raised her hand to shield her eyes, but Donovan grabbed her wrist.

"Don't hide. You're my wife now."

Chloe's heart skipped a beat. She looked up and met Donovan's deep gaze.

"I understand," she replied softly.

Back at the office, Chloe forced herself to focus on work.

She couldn't let her mind wander. She had to work hard and pay off the medical bills as soon as possible.

But the $200,000 advance from the agreement still hadn't arrived.

Chloe grew increasingly anxious. Her mother's surgery and hospital fees were still unpaid.

She needed that money urgently.

After work, Chloe stayed late, waiting for Donovan.

Finally, the elevator doors opened, and Donovan walked out.

"Mr. Blake." Chloe gathered her courage and approached him.

Donovan stopped and looked at her. "What is it?"

"Mr. Blake, the $200,000 advance you mentioned hasn't arrived yet."

Donovan raised an eyebrow. "In such a hurry?"

He took out his phone and tapped a few times. "Your account number."

Chloe quickly recited her bank account number.

A few seconds later, her phone vibrated. The $200,000 had been deposited.

"Thank you, Mr. Blake." Chloe breathed a sigh of relief.

"No need," Donovan said, turning to leave.

Chloe watched his back, a bitter smile on her face.

Her phone vibrated again. Donovan had sent another message: [This weekend, come with me to Pearl Peak City to see my grandfather.]

Chloe gripped her phone and took a deep breath.

This transaction had only just begun.

Chloe immediately went to the hospital and handed the money to the nurse.

As she left the payment office, she saw her brother Jacob standing at the door of their mother's room.

"Chloe, do you still remember to come?" Jacob's tone was harsh.

"Jacob, I..." She stammered.

Jacob cut her off. "Did you pay for Mom's surgery?"

"I did," Chloe answered softly.

"Paid?" Jacob sneered. "Where did you get the money? You didn't sell yourself, did you..."

"Jacob, don't say that!" Chloe interrupted him, her face pale.

"Am I talking nonsense?" Jacob pointed at her, shouting. "With your lousy job, how could you afford Mom's medical bills? The guy I introduced to you is a rich second-generation. His dad is the CEO of a big company. If you marry him, Mom will be saved. Isn't that better than selling yourself to a stranger?"

"Jacob, why are you always like this?" Chloe's eyes filled with tears. "I didn't sell myself. I didn't go to a nightclub. This is my work bonus. I can afford Mom's surgery!"

They parted on bad terms. Leaving the hospital, Chloe finally allowed herself to cry.

Her choice was no different from the marriage Jacob had forced on her. Both were selling her for money.

Saturday morning, a black car stopped in front of Chloe's apartment building.

Donovan watched as Chloe walked out of the building.

She wore a white dress, her long hair flowing, looking pure and lovely.

Donovan didn't bring a driver. Chloe got in the car and sat in the passenger seat.

"Mr. Blake," she greeted softly.

Donovan glanced at her. "Call me honey."

He leaned over to fasten her seatbelt, his arm brushing across her chest, making Chloe shiver as if electrified.

She took a deep breath and called, "Honey."

Suddenly, she remembered something.

"By the way," she hesitated, "the agreement didn't mention if we need to have a physical relationship?"