Leap OF Fate

Chapter 23

Serene’s eyes were as round as the moon as he stared at Justin. She kept blinking her eyes in

disbelief. One second… two seconds… ten seconds…

Serene still cannot believe her ears. She continued to stare at the man who was calmly bringing his

coffee cup to his upturned mouth.

“Say that again.” Her voice hitched up, sounding unconvinced that she heard him right.

He gently placed the cup that kissed his mouth back on the table. He leaned forward and cupped his

face in his right hand. Looking at her straight in the eyes, he uttered, “Come back to Hyacinth Bay with Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

me.”

So I heard him right, Serene mumbled. She stared at him as she digested his words, then responded

flatly, “No.”

“No?” He raised his brows and surveyed her face, taking in all her facial details. Once again, he cleared

his throat and with unmasked confidence continued, “Come back with me to Hyacinth Bay. You can

keep your old post, but I will triple your salary and give you free housing as well.” His eyes challenged

her. He knew he gave her a tempting offer.

Serene’s eyes became rounder and rounder and almost popped out of their sockets when she heard

his offer. Triple her previous salary? The salary she left was already above market standards. Triple

it?!? He must be out of his mind! Free housing? Wow! That’s like a cherry on top!

However, Serene thought it was too good to be true. Justin was a capitalist, and as a capitalist he’s

motivated by profit. Such an investment definitely came at a price. Doubt replaced her excitement.

“Why are you doing this? What’s in it for you?” It’s now her turn to look at him with raised brows.

Justin definitely did not miss the skepticism in her voice. “I just want you back. I think that your talent

will benefit Rain International”. Although his voice sounded nonchalant, it also carried with it a sense of

arrogance that was uniquely Justin’s.

“My talent will benefit Rain International?” Serene wanted to feel flattered by his statement, but the

more she pondered about it, the more doubtful she became. Yes, she had impeccable work ethics and

got along well with her colleagues, but was that enough to have the high and mighty Justin Rain, poach

her? I don’t think so, Serene inwardly thought.

“You flatter me, Mr. Rain.” Serene gave him a sneer. “Although I worked well when I was with Rain

International, I don’t think I am outstanding enough for the remuneration you just mentioned.” She took

a quick breath after saying a mouthful then continued, “Rain International is not short of outstanding

talent and I don’t think that my resignation impacted your business at all.”

She looked at him dead in the eyes. Studying the handsome pair of eyes that looked back at her with

no emotion. He sat on his chair like a king. His legs crossed and the fingers on his right hand

rhythmically tapped on the armrest while he rested his temple on his left hand.

“So Mr. Rain, what’s your real reason for coming to me with such a tempting remuneration? Why do

you want me back?”

Alas, she asked him such a troublesome question. Justin looked at her with furrowed brows, his lip

pursed in a straight line. Do I tell her I have been very lonely since she left, and seeing her now, I’d like

to wrap her up and bring her home with me? He pondered. He let out a sigh and looked at her.

Serene likewise studied Justin’s face. Seeing how quickly emotions flickered in his eyes, she doubted if

she even saw one. The more she looked at him, the deeper she thought. She has learned a long time

ago that there was no such thing as a free lunch, so a capitalist like him would never agree to be at the

losing end of the bargain. Just what that other end of the bargain was?

As if struck by lightning, Serene suddenly pulled her back straight from her chair. Chills run down her

spine and her hands curl into fists, her nails digging into her palms. Her face felt warm as blood

suddenly rushed in them. After staring at him for so long, something clicked inside her head.

She remembered the events that happened in that high-end restaurant where she met Chester and

Bryan. They both looked at her with hesitant but also expectant eyes as they asked her if she would be

an egg donor for their baby project.

She cannot help but sneer as her loathing eyes scanned the man in front of her with hatred and

disgust. So, that’s the way it was. Since she has rejected his brother Chester, he took the chance to

lure her to bring her back to Hyacinth Bay. He used the attractive compensation package as a bribe,

then perhaps once she has agreed and has no means of rejecting, he would demand that she donate

her eggs to his brother. The nerve!