“I feel...” Richard trailed off, giving a dismissive wave of his hand.
William couldn’t give a shit about Richard’s feelings.
“. . . remorseful.”
It was obviously a trap. William stilled every inch of his face—he wouldn’t give Richard the satisfaction of reacting.
“If I hadn’t let you win,” Richard said, “you wouldn’t be stuck in this predicament. I figured you could use a bit of help, you know...” He brought his hands together, and only then did William notice the wad of cash he was holding. Richard dragged a finger down the edge, making a show of unfolding the bills one by one. “... tocover its expenses.”
William turned to face him and crossed his arms. “I don’t need—” His voice broke as Richard flicked his wrist, sending the whole wad flying.
William stared at the dozens of hundred-dollar bills as they landed on the couch and floor—carelessly discarded like pocket change. He froze, stuck between urging himself to take it, or turning on his heel and getting the fuck out of here. Did it really matter that Richard just wanted to humiliate him? With that kind of money, William could clothe Adathan properly, get some high-quality groceries, and deposit the excess into an account for him.
“William, please.”
William looked up, fury tearing through his chest at the expression on Richard’s face. The bastard wasenjoyingthis.
Richard’s sneer widened. “Are you really going to let your pride stand in the way of Adathan’s well-being?”
William spun on his heel. Fuck Richard. Fuck his money. Fuck everything and everyone.William would shop at the thrift store. He’d get a second job. Heck, he’d eat instant noodles every day for the rest of his life if it meant being able to afford nutritious meals for Adathan. Anything but give Richard what he wanted.
William stomped into the elevator and jabbed the fifteenth-floor button. He glared at Richard across the lobby, finding him checking his phone like nothing had happened, the money still sprawled across the seat and floor.
William’s shoulders slumped as soon as the doors closed. He’d done the right thing—he knew he had. Adathan wouldn’t have wanted him to take Richard’s money. Right?
William let out the scream he’d been holding in since yesterday. He slammed a fist against the elevator wall, pushing all the stress and frustration out of his lungs. Why was the universe doing this to him? What had he done to deserve thisconstant, never-ending humiliation? Was he such a bad person that he wasn’t allowed any peace of mind ever?
The elevator ride ended far too soon.
William stepped out and walked as far as possible from his room, his hands still shaking. He had one last thing to do, and then he could finally get the fuck out of here.
He accessed the call history on his phone and tapped Eden Serviteurs’ number in the list. Someone immediately picked up the call.
“Hello, Mr. Mitchell. It’s a pleasure to talk to you.”
William grimaced. That company was creepy as fuck. “I thought about your offer.”
“Impeccable timing. Gabriel just landed.”
“I’m keeping Adathan.”
“You wish to keep the defective Serviteur?”
“Yes,” William said.
“My most sincere apologies, I must have forgotten to specify the exact nature of its defects.”
“You told me everything I need to know. I’m not changing my mind. I like him the way he is.”
It took a moment for the woman to reply. “This is an unexpected turn of events, Mr. Mitchell. Rest assured that Eden Serviteurs values your satisfaction. However, I’m obligated to inform you that the defective Serviteur’s certificate of authenticity and warranty will be nullified as soon as this phone call ends.”
“Fine. I don’t care.”
William heard fingers typing at incredible speed. “I’m also obligated to inform you that you will no longer be permitted to refer to it as a Serviteur.”
“Sure. Whatever.”
“Doing so will be considered brand defamation, and legal action will be taken against you.”
