Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Seventeen

In the past, Max would never have dared to speak these words to Levi. Max also learned through investigation that Levi had owned this piece of land for over ten years now, totaling more than 100,000 square meters. At that time, Max was still a university student, relying on Bella's support to successfully complete more than four years of college.

A decade ago, the city was not fully developed, so the outskirts had not yet attracted much attention. Most people who knew about that piece of land now praised Levi for his foresight because its current value was much higher than when Levi bought it.

But only Max understood that Levi was not someone with such farsighted vision, or even if he was, he had never thought about gaining any benefits from the land he held. In other words, Levi simply enjoyed spending money, spending it wastefully.

Given Levi's wealthy background, such a spending style was not surprising at all.

Max currently holds the position of company director, thanks to Bella's father. He wasn't dissatisfied, but if he continued to stay in his current position, he would never have the opportunity to acquire the company.

"I also know you would say that. But think about it more carefully. We've been long-time friends. If you sell me that piece of land, the benefits you'll receive will be substantial. You've also participated in many auctions, they all need proper arrangements." Max confidently spoke, almost all the auctions were just for show, and anyone could buy the auctioned items that had been pre-selected.

Levi just chuckled lightly. "You know I'm not short of money. When I bought that piece of land, it was simply because I found it interesting. Besides, I never thought about the development potential of that land."

Max didn't understand the underlying meaning in Levi's words, nor did he know if Levi genuinely wanted to sell him the land. For Max, money wasn't an issue, but if he didn't act quickly, the land could fall into someone else's hands. Max felt uneasy; since getting to know Levi, Levi had been unpredictable. Despite his friendly demeanor, no one could know what he was thinking.

"So let's negotiate, I'll ask straight up, what do you want in exchange for selling me that piece of land?" Max asked bluntly. He knew that acquiring that piece of land would make the company's chairman and leadership trust him more.

Levi wasn't surprised by Max's directness; after all, it was something he had anticipated. It wasn't just Max; many others had their eyes on the suburban land that Levi owned.

"Well, let's see, originally I just wanted to have a pleasant conversation with you. But you bring up this proposal, which surprises me. If you've said that, then I have a proposal," Levi said, his eyes gleaming mysteriously, revealing no particular emotion.

Max furrowed his brow; he knew that what Levi did not lack the most was money. But if it was money, the issue would be easier to resolve. Max cautiously asked because he didn't know what Levi would propose, "What's your offer? But I can only meet within my capabilities."

Levi chuckled, saying, "Don't worry, my conditions are quite simple, and you don't have to do much. Just help me talk to your wife."

Levi's enigmatic smile and twisted words left Max puzzled. "Don't tell me..." Max paused for a moment, hesitating about whether to agree or not.

Observing Max's expression, Levi knew what Max was thinking but didn't verbalize it. Instead, he said, "My younger sister needs a model for her new designs. She doesn't want to hire professional models because her target customers are ordinary people. She had a disagreement with her parents, who won't provide financial support, so she has to be self-reliant."

Levi casually discussed his sister's issues. Max breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, but then asked, "Why don't you help her?"

Levi shrugged and sighed, "What I can help her with is finding a model. As for money, she has to earn it herself. Dignity and respect are things that cannot be obtained from others." Levi concluded, sneakily glancing at Max's expression, noticing Max slightly pursing his lips as if contemplating something.

Seeing that it was getting late, Levi had obtained what he wanted and didn't want to continue chatting with Max. Before leaving, he said, "You're Bella's husband; if you talk to her, she'll probably agree quickly. If she agrees, I'll reconsider selling you that piece of land."

Without the need for extensive negotiations, Max could gain significant benefits. Naturally, he wouldn't pass up this opportunity. Initially, Max thought that Levi wanted Bella to become a pawn, welcoming prominent figures in the upper class. If that were the case, Max could accept it, but it was beyond his control.

In Max's eyes, Bella was both a wife and a pawn to acquire her father's company and strengthen his social status. Although the two had feelings for each other, before interests and money, emotions were merely a cheap and insignificant factor.

In the bedroom, Bella heard the sound of the car and knew Levi had left. Only then did she exhale a sigh of relief. While Max and Levi were conversing in the living room, Bella swiftly cleaned up the aftermath of her burglary and took a quick shower to feel more comfortable.

"Bell, are you asleep? I have something to discuss," Max pushed the door open and entered, seeing Bella sitting on the bed, presumably preparing to sleep.

Max stepped in and closed the door. The room was filled with a sweet and pleasant fragrance, making Max furrow his brows because his wife wasn't someone who liked to spray perfume in the room. "Why did you spray perfume in the room? I remember you don't like it."

Bella flinched, smiling awkwardly. She didn't dare to look directly at Max and tried to appear nonchalant. "Lately, I've been exploring different room fragrances. With my mood not being great, I thought a pleasant scent would make me feel more relaxed and sleep better." Afraid that Max wouldn't believe her words, Bella took the room spray bottle from the drawer and shook it lightly in front of Max. "See, I just bought it two days ago. If I don't like it, I might change it after a few days."

Max didn't pay much attention to this matter and walked closer to Bella. She had changed into a nightgown, not the provocative kind, just a long, flowing one in a beige color. However, when Bella wore it, she exuded purity and gentleness, a softness that made others want to transgress.

Max was her husband, but the two had never engaged in the activities that most married couples do. Seeing his wife lately changing her style and becoming more adept at makeup made Max unable to help but feel a flutter.

A beautiful and gentle woman stood right in front of Max, his wife. Max thought it was time for him to fulfill the duties of a husband, and Bella should also fulfill the duties of a wife.

As Max contemplated, he reached out and grabbed Bella's slender waist, pulling her closer. His face pressed against her chest as he greedily inhaled the fragrance on Bella's body. "Bella... tonight..." Tonight seemed like the perfect night for him to be close to his wife. Despite both of them working at the same company for a while, there was still a distance between them.

Before Max could finish his sentence, Bella withdrew and gently pushed his hand away, appearing tired as she said, "Max, I'm sorry. Lately, I've been feeling confused about work. I still haven't fully adjusted to the daily routine. I'm sure you're tired too, you should go rest in your room."

Upon hearing this, Max felt a surge of emotions, as if he had been hit with a cold splash of water. Bella's rejection left him unsatisfied. Since they got married, they had never been intimate, as Max had never found his wife attractive before. However, now that he paid attention to Bella, she rejected him. He frowned slightly but then sighed, standing up to leave the room. If Bella spoke like that, he didn't want to share a bed with her either.

Bella silently watched her husband leave without saying a word. Although she had let go of her feelings for Max a long time ago, she still wanted to know what she meant to him. Bella unconsciously smirked, not understanding what she was expecting from a husband who had betrayed her over time. Perhaps due to fatigue, Bella slept deeply, waking up in the morning feeling refreshed and in a better mood for the new day.

As usual, Bella, a dutiful wife, woke up early to prepare breakfast for her husband. The two ate without exchanging any words. Max was still uncomfortable with Bella's rejection from the night before, but he kept it to himself. Thinking about the piece of land in the suburbs waiting for him.

"Bella, there's something I want to talk to you about," Max finally spoke up.

Bella stopped eating, raising an eyebrow, "What is it?"

"You know, Levi has a cousin who's a fashion designer, and she's in need of a model. You should go apply to be her model." Max spoke bluntly, more like giving an order than asking Bella.