Chapter 10: A Fair Fight

*Locas*

The person in front of me was... Was that Mia?

Did she come out of Krell's office? There was so much commotion. It seemed like she was quite angry.

Did that mean my chance had come?

But... why was Mia's shirt collar loose? If it was lower, her chest could be seen!

What was she doing? She was stuffing the shirt tail neatly back into her skirt, and she had hickeys on her neck. What had Krell done to her? She looked like those women who had just spent the night with me!

When she was out of sight, anger burned uncontrollably in my belly. I suddenly pushed open the office door.

"Krell, what have you done to Mia!" I couldn't help but shout at Krell.

"None of your business." Two buttons on Krell's shirt were undone. His voice was hoarse. The guy looked to be in a bad mood.

I recalled Mia's sad look just now, and my heart suddenly ached. I was always full of compassion for beautiful women, let alone Mia. D*mned Krell! He made Mia so sad.

"Krell, Mia is different from other women. You won't get her if you try to force her. I know what you're planning. You want to use this method to control Mia and use her to make your pack stronger."

"Isn't that also your goal? Locas, who always prioritizes benefits and beauty." Krell was really cunning.

"But I won't force her. I respect every lady's opinion. I'm not as despicable as you." I still couldn't get over what Krell had just done.

"You're equally detestable by using your wound to gain Mia's sympathy."

Krell lit a cigarette and took a deep drag. Then he walked over to me.

"But now it seems like we're both failing to make Mia happy," Krell suddenly said. His voice relaxed and was not as fierce as before. There was even a hint of loss in his tone.

Look at how pitiful he was… How could a cold person like him win any woman's heart?

"How about this? We'll compete fairly. It's up to Mia to decide who she'll be with and who she'll become mates with," I said.

There was no point in this guy trying to compete with me. So many women had been charmed by me. I knew that Mia would be one of them sooner or later.

"Okay," Krell replied, accepting the challenge.

***

*Mia*

Was that how Krell really thought of me? Was I a sleeping beauty who could only be watched?

No, it was not like that. I could have my own wonderful life. I wouldn't just be helpless and rely on these conceited men!

But what could I do?

I couldn't help but remind myself of my childhood dream. I, as a 14-year-old girl, used to dream of becoming an advanced healer. I wanted to save lives.

With that thought in mind, I arrived at Krell's office door.

I knocked on his door, and his familiar voice answered.

I encouraged myself inwardly and finally said the sentence I had been holding in for so long.

"I want to resign."

Krell averted his eyes from the contract on his desk to look at me. His brows furrowed, deep and dangerously as they hooded his eyes.

"Say that again." The coldness in Krell's voice took me by surprise.

"I don't want your protection anymore. I want to resign. I don't want to rely on you," I clarified.

"Oh? Did you find a better job than you have here right now?" Krell asked.

His tone was flippant. It seemed as if he believed I couldn't find a job without him? That made me angrier.

"When I'm done with my current work, I'll submit my resignation to you," I emphasize again.

"Very good. But with my ability, you will have my influence no matter where you go. I think it's impossible for you not to rely on me." Perhaps Krell was really angry, so his words were especially hurtful.

I wanted to be angry with Krell. Why couldn't he just try to understand my needs? But my anger soon subsided as I saw the dark circles under his eyes. He looked tired. Though I was angry with him, I did want to make him suffer.

I was learning to change, and so was he.

I should give him a chance.

***

*Krell*

Mia was really persistent. This was the fourth time she had come to tell me about resigning. What good was it for her to quit? Wasn't it better to live a relaxed life under my protection?

Besides, I really didn't want her to resign. If she resigned, she would not be an employee of the company anymore, and I would not see her every day. She would not listen to me anymore and be under my control. I hated not being in control!

"Krell, whether you like it today or not, I have to resign."

It was that sentence again. I knew how to deal with it. As long as I pretended to be tired or injured, Mia would not force the issue. I rubbed my temples and pretended to be very exhausted.

I knew that she would next gently persuade me to rest early and not mention resigning again.

"Krell, you really need to get some rest. I don't want to disturb you like this, so I won't be here tomorrow, and I don't need my salary anymore."

Wait… Why was today different? She should have been worried about me!

Mia had already reached the door and was about to walk out of the office.

I couldn't watch her leave. I hurried after Mia and grabbed her arm, forcing her to face me.

"Let go!" She flung her arms, trying to escape my grasp.

I certainly would not let her get away. I squeezed my hand a little harder and pulled her into my arms. Her body was so soft and warm that it made me want to hold her like this for the rest of my life.

She started to resist again, her hand slapping violently against my chest.

'We'll compete fairly.' The agreement with Locas came to my mind.

Yes, as we said, Mia's wishes deserved to be respected. We should compete fairly.

I had to admit that Locas was right. Forcing Mia like this would only make her hate me more. I needed to reason with her, and only then could I keep her.

I let go of her and said, "Mia, it's the only decent job you can get right now. What are you going to do if you quit? Do you want to go back to working in a horrible hotel like that?"

"I want to open a clinic," Mia answered me.

"But you don't have any money," I said without thinking.

"That's my own business," Mia replied. Her voice was extremely indifferent.

"You have no money or power. What can you rely on? Your best choice is to rely on me." I thought I was calm enough. "Mia, trust me..."

Then, a slap landed on my face.

"Stop talking!" Mia glared at me angrily. "You still have not changed."

"I'm just being honest and telling the truth." I didn't understand why Mia was angry again.