Eva stared hard at Gage and then took a long, deep breath before speaking. “Are you…are you really going to reject that offer?” she asked.

Gage flashed her a lopsided smile. “Let’s just say…I’m pretty lazy.” He then winked playfully. “I don’t have a plan to spend my bachelor’s life just sitting in a chair all day and night just to make more money I don’t even need. I’m already a filthy rich heir and even have my money working for me already, with numerous investments and everything that I need to live a carefree life. So, I’m actually retiring now.”

Eva pinched the skin between her brows. ‘Arrogant bastard!’ She could not help but curse at him in her mind and wish that she could wring that sexy neck of his.

Although she knew he was just probably being honest, Eva still couldn’t help but want to…ugh! She shook her head and her gaze at him became extremely serious and determined.

“Then hire me.” She said. Her blue eyes were blazing with nothing but confidence and unwavering will. “Hire me. You may not have any idea who I am, but I am the CEO-I mean, former CEO of XY Corporation. Hire me, and I promise to bring ACEON to the top again and crush XY Corp. in the process!”

“So…you’re that female CEO who made XY overtake ACEON, huh...”

“Yes. That’s me. So, hire me. I promise I can deliver what I say.” Eva replied with unwavering conviction.

Gage rubbed his chin, his mystifying gaze scrutinizing Eva.

“I know the chairman and board will not accept me...even though I am the ex-CEO now, there is still no way that they would be willing to hire me, especially if they hear the rumours...” She paused for a moment. “That’s why you should accept the position and then hire me to do all the work for you, since your reason is because you’re lazy. All you have to do is appear here and there for some meetings and then cooperate with me in crushing XY Corp.” Eva rushed and explained her plan in one breath.

Gage hummed as he continued rubbing his chin. “You really want to do all the work while hiding behind me as my shadow? You’ll not be getting any recognition at all…”

“I don’t care. I’m fine with it. All I want is to take revenge right now. I’ll make them all regret it. I told you, I will do anything to get back at them. I want them to feel the pain of losing something they treasure so much! And this is only the beginning. I intend to fully pay them back for their wonderful ‘care’ of me with added interest!!” Her eyes blazed with fury as she spat every word out. In that moment, she looked as though she were a she-devil ready to rain punishment down on those who had wronged her.

Gage kept his gaze on her.

“I am being very serious. I told you, even if I have to make a bargain with the devil, I’ll do it.”

“You did say that…you said you were even ready to sell your soul to the devil.”

“Yes.” Eva didn’t waver. “If that’s what it takes.”

“Alright,” Gage nodded and a languid smile spread on his face. He leaned against the wall as his gaze remained fixated on her. “Let’s make a deal then, pet. I’ll give it to you. All the things that you want…”

Eva exhaled in relief after hearing him accept her ideas. But at the same time, she felt a little nervous about what he would say next.

“However…are you certain you’re willing to do anything in exchange, Eva?”

Eva nodded furiously, and quickly answered, “Yes! Anything!”

Her unfazed expression and blazing eyes made Gage smile. Then, he cocked his head and crossed his arms. “Are you really sure?” he asked again, and Eva felt like strangling his sexy neck again.

“I. Am. Sure. Mr. Acheron.” She said it firmly, even stressing word by word.

He suddenly bent to whisper in her ear. “How about…Gage, darling?!” he almost purred as he smiled playfully, causing Eva’s mouth to hang open.

“W-what are you…” she could only stammer before sighing to regain her composure. “Will you please stop doing that? I am serious, here…please stop throwing me off!”

“Alright, looks like you’re a bit relaxed now.” He commented as if he didn’t hear her and leaned against the wall again. Just as Eva thought he'd finally got back to business again, he rubbed his chin. “But ‘Gage, darling’ sounds great, right, pet?”

‘Gage, darling, your face!’ Eva thought, barely stopping herself from voicing it out.

“Alright,” his voice and the look in his eyes finally became serious. “Then I’ll be stating my price for the bargain.”