Our secret

Kristin badly wanted to leave, but she couldn’t ignore the money involved—and most importantly, the prospect of going to jail.

Richard had a reputation for wealth, and Kristin was sure he could pay off the huge debt her family owed without hesitation. Her primary reason for being here was to lift her family out of poverty, and if Richard could be her gateway to achieving that dream, she was ready to do anything. At least it might save her from going to jail if he used his threat.

Moreover, he didn’t seem like someone who had time for women. His cold and domineering personality would surely drive any sensible woman away.

These thoughts swirled in her mind as she stared at Richard’s emotionless face.

"Why are you staring at me like you’re watching a movie? Do you want to go to jail? I’m ready to make that happen," Richard said.

Kristin cleared her throat. "You didn’t have to threaten me. I don’t want to go to jail." Her voice was barely audible, filled with embarrassment.

But what could she do? This man hadn’t apologized for almost killing her; instead, he threatened her, and he wasn’t joking about it.

"Just know that if I find out you’re working for Ophelia, I won’t hesitate to end your life," his eyes warned.

Kristin gulped, trying to maintain her composure despite her fear.

"I am not a spy. I don’t even know who Ophelia is. If you think I’m lying, run a background check on me. You’ll see I’m from Glenwood and don’t know anyone in Vegas."

"Let’s see about that," Richard said, sitting down while Kristin remained standing.

"Aren’t you going to sit?" His baritone voice asked, and Kristin still stood.

"Are you going to sit down and agree to be my acting wife or not? Or do you prefer being in jail?" he asked.

With no other option, she sat down, nervously clasping her hands.

Richard furrowed his brows, waiting for an answer.

Kristin noticed the look on his face and scratched her head slightly before responding. "I’ll agree to be your acting wife. I don’t have any other options."

"How much do you need?" Richard asked.

The way he asked made it clear he could come up with any amount in the blink of an eye. He wasn’t just a billionaire for nothing. Though he managed his dad’s company, he had his own wealth and properties scattered around Las Vegas.

"Three million dollars," Kristin said, her eyes darting sideways, secretly anticipating his response.

She knew three million dollars was a huge amount, but it was the debt her parents owed the farmers back in Glenwood.

"Just three million dollars?" Richard asked, shocking Kristin to her core.

Did he call three million dollars "just"? That enormous sum could buy her entire existence, and this cold-hearted man called it "just."

What was she expecting? Las Vegas was a city dominated by the rich and powerful, Kristin thought, her eyes still widened.

"Why are you surprised? Do you think three million dollars is a big deal?"

"Of course it is! My parents have been working like animals to raise that money."

"So their debt is three million dollars?" Richard asked again, and Kristin slowly nodded.

"Fine then. I’ll settle their debts and even add more, as long as our secret stays hidden."

"Don’t worry, Mr. Grouchy. I’m a good actress."

"Why are you calling me Grouchy?"

"Why are you calling me Peanut? I told you my name, but you keep calling me Peanut."

"You look small and tiny, which is why I’m calling you Peanut."

"Well, your face never wears a smile, and you get angry easily, so the name Mr. Grouchy suits you. Do you have a problem with that?" Kristin asked.

Richard stared at her brown eyes for a moment before putting Luke on the phone.

He arrived swiftly and presented the marriage contract to Kristin.

The contract stated they would be married and live under the same roof for a year before ending the arrangement.

"If you don’t have any problems with the contract, go ahead and sign it," Richard ordered.

He didn’t know how to speak politely; he always preferred to order people around and be in charge.

Kristin was about to sign the contract but stopped halfway and looked at Richard.

"I’ll agree to be your wife for a year in exchange for you paying off my family’s debts. One more thing..."

Richard raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow, his gray eyes narrowing. "What’s that, Peanut?"

Kristin set her jaw. "You won’t touch me. Not even a finger."

Richard leaned back in his chair, a cold glare on his face. "Don’t worry, Peanut. You’re not my type, should I buy you a mirror?”

Kristin scoffed lightly and picked up the pen again, but then dropped it.

"What do you want now?!" Richard yelled, his anger building up.

"I want to ask a favor."

"What kind of favor?"

"Regarding the money, could you send it to my parents in Glenwood gradually? If you send the whole amount at once, they might get suspicious about how I obtained it. I don’t want them to find out that I agreed to a contract marriage with you just for the money, and also because you threatened to have me jailed," Kristin said.

"Fine. Can you sign it now?"

Kristin nodded with a smile and quickly signed the papers.

Richard did the same and then walked out.

Luke was the only one left with her.

"You should go after him. He’s going home."

"How do you cope working with a man like him?" Kristin asked, and Luke only smiled.

"Let’s go, Kristin. He’ll get angry if he has to wait for you."

"May I ask where this place is? It’s so beautiful."

"It’s a fine dining establishment and one of Richard’s properties."

Kristin nodded.

They both left the office, and Richard was already sitting in the backseat.

"Join him in the back. I’ll drive you both home; you’ll be living together."

Kristin exhaled and joined Richard in the backseat.

He didn’t even spare her a glance; his cold aura dominated the car.