Chapter 2 Heavy Duty

"What?" Eva gasped in shock. Double the amount was a staggering sum for her.

"Double," the man repeated.

"That’s insane!" Eva protested.

"This is business," Adam stated firmly.

Eva immediately calculated in her head. The amount was so astronomical that she might not be able to pay it off in her entire lifetime.

"Didn't you already take advantage of me earlier?" She tried to negotiate, hoping to lower the penalty.

Adam stared at her flatly. "Are you sure I was the one taking advantage of you? If I recall, you seemed to be the one who benefited more. I lost count of how many times you were satisfied."

Eva’s face went crimson. She regretted bringing it up.

"Besides, I already said I don't want to mix business with personal matters. For what happened earlier, I will provide compensation in another form," Adam added.

Eva did not reply. She felt both hurt and deeply embarrassed.

"But it’s too risky. What will I use for restitution if I fail?" she finally voiced.

Adam leaned back. "Then just refuse," he said nonchalantly, despite the fact that he was the one who needed her help.

Eva fell silent. If she refused, her clinic would close and the arrears for her mother’s medical treatment would continue to pile up. If she accepted, she was risking everything.

Adam smiled thinly. "Are you not confident in your abilities?" he challenged.

The remark struck Eva’s ego. She immediately lifted her head, feeling her pride slighted. "I am confident."

"Then why hesitate?" The man was pleased that his challenge had successfully provoked her.

"Because the stakes are too high."

"Precisely because they are high, I want to see how strong your conviction is," Adam countered. He was far too skilled at playing with the emotions of those he negotiated with.

Eva clenched her fists. Thoughts of her mother returned. She had no choice. Finally, she exhaled a long breath. "I accept."

Adam nodded as if he had expected the answer. "Good. I’ll give you a three-month deadline."

Eva’s eyes widened. "Three months?"

"Yes. It is very short, but Wayne doesn't have much time." Adam began typing on his laptop. "Within three months, I want to see significant progress," the man continued.

"I understand," Eva replied softly. She had surrendered to the situation.

"If you succeed, the investment money is yours. If you fail, you pay double!"

Eva nodded slowly. "Okay."

Suddenly, a paper emerged from the printer next to the man’s desk. "Deal!" He handed over the document.

Eva was surprised to see the agreement was already printed. 'So fast. When did he prepare this?' she thought. But she didn't want to ask too many questions.

That night, they signed the contract. Once everything was settled, Adam closed the black folder before him. "I will send the initial funding next week."

Eva’s eyes sparkled. "Really?"

"After I see the progress of the treatment, if there are significant changes, I will send the funds. If there are no changes, the funding will be withheld," Adam threatened.

Eva was certain she could do it. "Thank you, Mr. Moore."

Adam merely nodded. Eva reached for her bag, but for some reason, she remained rooted to the spot. The man looked at her. "Well?"

Eva blinked. "Well what?" She was so happy she hadn't realized her surroundings.

"Why are you still here?" Adam smirked thinly. "Or could it be that you want to repeat what happened earlier?"

Eva became nervous instantly. Her heart beat rapidly. "Don't just talk nonsense! What happened earlier was just a misunderstanding. Please, never bring it up again. Excuse me!" Her face burning, she stood up and left the room.

Behind her, Adam shook his head slowly. The woman was truly intriguing to him. 'She was so annoyed she forgot about the compensation,' he thought.

'Damn it! Why am I so stupid? How could I have done something that crazy just because of a misunderstanding? Where do I hide my face?' Eva grumbled as she walked toward the elevator.

'What kind of nightmare is this? My first experience was with a billionaire. And why didn't he refuse?' She felt annoyed by the circumstances.

Ding!

A notification appeared on Eva’s phone. The woman read it immediately.

Mr. Adam: You forgot your compensation.

Mr. Adam: Please think about it carefully. Once you’ve decided, let me know.

Mr. Adam: I will not run from my responsibilities.

"Pah! What responsibility? You were the one who deliberately pinned the blame on me earlier. Jerk!" Eva cursed. She did not reply to the message, feeling too frustrated with Adam.

---

The next morning, Eva stood in front of Wayne’s room. She took a deep breath. "Alright. You can do this." She knocked on the door and opened it.

At that exact moment, a flower vase flew directly toward her. "Goodness!" Eva reflexively dodged. The vase smashed into the door and shattered into pieces.

CRASH!

She froze. On the bed, a tall man sat with a gloomy expression. None other than Wayne Carter.

"GET OUT!" the man shouted.

The woman swallowed hard. 'Oh no, I forgot his mental state is shattered. This task is much harder than I thought,' she thought.

"Good morning, Mr. Wayne," Eva greeted, trying to sound friendly.

"Are you deaf? I said get out!" Wayne snapped. His face was beet red.

Eva sighed deeply. She smiled and continued stepping toward Wayne. "I will leave once I have finished my duties for today," she answered.

Wayne glared at her. Being in a depressed state, he grabbed the television remote and threatened Eva. "If you don't leave, I’ll make sure this lands on your head."

Eva knew the man wasn't joking. However, if she failed, her life would be ruined. "Go ahead! Perhaps that will satisfy you. I don't mind getting hurt as long as I can heal you."

Wayne froze for a moment. He hated his situation. He couldn't accept that his legs wouldn't stand when his career was at its peak.

"You think I'm playing around?" the man asked, his jaw hardening.

Eva still smiled and kept walking forward. "I know—"

Before she could finish her sentence, the object landed squarely on her head.

Thud!

Eva froze, closing her eyes. Fresh blood flowed down her temple. 'Oh God, do I have to be abused like this just to get that money?' she thought.

"You will never know what I’m feeling right now. That cut on your head is nothing. Better leave before I go even crazier!" Wayne threatened.