Chapter 119 Even If Sold, I'd Help Mrs. Carnegie Count the Money
Paige stared at Raymond, her expression a mixture of disbelief and amusement. After a moment of silence, she finally voiced her thoughts. "What would you do if I truly sold you?"Raymond fell into a thoughtful silence before responding. "If you truly sold me?" He paused, considering his words carefully. "Then I would help you count the money. I couldn't allow anyone to cheat you."A sudden laugh escaped from Paige. "You're quite the charmer, aren't you? Who taught you to speak like this? You weren't like this when we first met."Indeed, when Paige had first encountered Raymond, he had been a distant, aloof figure, never giving off the impression of a smooth talker.Raymond, holding Paige's hand, retorted playfully, "Would Mrs. Carnegie truly have the heart to sell me?""Sell you?" Paige shook her head, a smirk playing on her lips. "You wouldn't fetch a high price. On the black market, men are not as valued as women, and buyers generally prefer young, strapping lads. Mr. Carnegie, you're getting old."Raymond's brow furrowed at the insinuation that his value wasn't high enough. He couldn't prove otherwise at that moment. The notion of selling himself to prove his worth was absurd. The conversation ended there, with neither of them pursuing the topic further.However, Paige felt a knot of unease in her stomach. Her journey felt akin to selling Raymond out. Although she had no intention of harming Raymond or truly exchanging him for an antidote, this realization slightly eased her guilt.Upon their arrival in Country M, Pearl had already arranged for someone to pick them up. Raymond seemed quite familiar with the country, confidently directing Charles on what to do. Due to the time difference, it was morning in Country M.Throughout the ten-hour flight, neither Paige nor Raymond had managed to get much rest. With no means of contacting anyone on the other side, Paige had no choice but to wait passively. She believed, however, that her actions were being closely monitored and that those in charge would soon be aware of her arrival in Country M and promptly demand an exchange."Pearl has arranged a house for us; we can head straight there," Paige said, pushing Raymond's wheelchair.Raymond raised a valid concern. "Security in Country M isn't like in Quorinthus; it's quite chaotic here. Is the house Pearl arranged safe? The Carnegie family has properties here too; we could stay at one of theirs."Paige had expected to contemplate Raymond’s suggestion, but her immediate response surprised even her. “No need,” she blurted out, then quickly added, trying to temper her urgency, “Pearl is meticulous; her arrangements are reliable.”The arrangements might have been without issues, but residing in a Carnegie family property would place her amidst their personnel, making it difficult to move Raymond discretely if needed.Their departure had been hasty and sudden. Just the night before, Hawke Corporation celebrated its annual gala with many international guests still in town. The Carnegie family had ongoing hosting duties to fulfill. Raymond simply left with her, leaving behind his responsibilities unchecked. Since the Carnegie family was busy, Raymond only had Charles with him. This turned out to be advantageous for Paige. If she wanted to take Raymond out, all she needed to do was shake off Charles.That meant they definitely couldn't go to the Carnegie family house. That was very important, and Paige was crystal clear about it.Paige didn't want to stay at her old place, and Raymond had no objections. They settled into the house Pearl had arranged for them. Before the expected call came in, Paige had dinner and immediately took the chance to rest. Considering the nature of the situation, she figured no one would require her to carry out a deal in broad daylight. Besides, sleeping now would help her adjust to the jet lag.Just as Paige turned down the lights in her bedroom to their dimmest and burrowed into bed, yawning and ready to rest, Raymond wheeled himself into her room.Paige looked at him, "Aren't you unaffected by jet lag?"Raymond replied seriously, "I don't need to adjust to the time zone, but I came to keep you company."Paige stammered, "Keep me company? As in sleep?"Raymond shifted onto the bed and noticed that Paige's warmth from the previous night seemed to have faded."It looks like the madam here is the 'hit it and quit it' type," he commented.
The blush of embarrassment warmed Paige's cheeks at his words. What could he possibly mean by 'hit it and quit it'? She didn't see how that could possibly apply to her. The sun was high in the sky, and after the previous night's... energetic endeavors, not to mention the grueling flight, even a machine would need to recharge, wouldn't it? She was at a loss as to how this could possibly equate to indifference on her part.Moreover, her main focus last night had been to cater to his needs. Each time she glanced at Raymond, he seemed desirous yet patient. Therefore, burdened with a twinge of guilt, she took the lead, once, twice, perhaps even a third time.And now, he was twisting it into something else entirely.Lifting the covers, Paige patted the empty space beside her. "Come here, Raymond."She mustered a professional smile, and Raymond, ever the gentleman, moved closer to Paige. "Mrs. Carnegie, I'm on my way to warm your bed. What would you do without me? Perhaps we should reconsider selling me off, don't you think?"Paige found herself puzzled as the conversation took another unexpected turn."Weren't you the one who claimed that even if I sold you, you'd help me count the money?""But who would keep you warm during the frigid winters in Country M?" he retorted.
Paige offered a coy smile and teased, "Well, with the money I make from selling you, Raymond, I might just afford a younger, stronger model."Raymond, who had just settled down, was jolted by the words 'young and strong' and immediately sat upright on the bed.He rolled over towards Paige and declared firmly, "Young and strong? Are you suggesting that I'm past my prime? It appears that I need to demonstrate, my dear, that although I may be a few years your senior, I'm certainly not lacking in strength."Raymond's reaction amused Paige to no end, and she couldn't suppress her giggles.Their laughter echoed through the room as they playfully tumbled in each other's arms on the bed. Just the night before, Paige had felt their activities had been a tad too intense, yet here she was, once again engaged in a passionate debate with Raymond about the origins of life.Already worn out, and without letting her mental guard down, Paige succumbed to a deep sleep after their latest escapade.She slept so soundly that she didn't stir, even when Raymond was tending to her.It was probably because she had grown so accustomed to Raymond's presence. Otherwise, Paige, with her five years of constant vigilance to the point of wanting to sleep with one eye open, certainly wouldn't have been able to sleep without sensing anything.Raymond gazed at the sleeping figure beside him and whispered softly, "If selling me off ensures you a good night's sleep, I'm more than willing to help you count the cash."
