She clenched her fists as she thought, ‘Ivor’s here. I can’t let him see me this pessimistic. I have to shove these bleak feelings down!’
Eloise took several deep breaths. In a matter of five seconds, she pulled herself together and became calm.
Once she had composed herself, she called out to him in a sweet voice. “Over here, Ivor.”
He heard her voice and looked at her. Then, he walked briskly over.
Sitting across the table, he cut straight to the chase. “Out with it. How much will it be for you to part with the painting?”
His voice was both cold and sharp.
Gritting her teeth, she stared at him. “Don’t you think it’s a little hurtful for us to be talking about money, Ivor? I know you need the painting now. All you have to do is tell me you want it, and I’ll gladly give it to you.”
He wasn’t moved in the least. “So, it’s not about money, huh? Well, then. Why don’t you name your terms?”
She had shoved her bleak feelings down. However, what he said yanked them back to the surface.
“Did it slip your mind that we used to be super close? We could’ve taken our relationships to the next level. So, why are you making things hard for me now?”
He frowned, and a hint of impatience flashed across his eyes. “I have other matters to attend to. I don’t have time for this nonsense. Just out with it. What are your terms?”
His tone was so indifferent that it finally ticked her off. She shot up from her seat.
“Is it because of Bonnie? Are you worried that she’ll get jealous of me? Is that why you’re treating me so coldly?
“You used to be so elegant and distant, Ivor. We could only look at you, but we could never reach you because you were so far above us.
“Now, however, you’re turning into whatever you are right now for the sake of Bonnie. Do you think she’s worth it?”
“Are you done with your crap? Can we go back to the reason we’re meeting here?”
‘Ivor is clearly not going to listen to anything I say. If nothing I say could change his mind, then I’ll have to switch tracks.’
“I’ll give you the painting and won’t take a single cent from you. With that said, I don’t think you’ll listen to me and break up with Bonnie.
“So, I only have one term. I want you to sleep with me for one night. After this, I won’t pester you anymore, nor will I try to come between you and Bonnie again.” Then she pulled out a hotel room key card and set it down before him.
“I’ll be waiting for you at Caesar Hotel tomorrow. If you want the painting, be there at 9 p.m.”
He glanced at the key card on the table and smirked sarcastically. “Is this what you think of me, Eloise? Am I the kind of person who’d trade a painting with his body?” She bit her lips, and her eyes turned red.
“I know you’re not that kind of person, but I’ve loved you for a long time. I just want some closure. Furthermore, I’m only asking you to sleep with me for one night. “That way, I’ll be able to realize one of my dreams, and you’ll end up with the painting you crave. Both of us need this. It’s a fair trade.”
His eyes were filled with coldness.
“It has never occurred to me that you’re such a shameless lady. You stooped so low and resorted to such despicable tricks just so you could have me.”
