The Ex-Con Who Conquered the World novel Chapter 40

The Ferrari tore through the streets, a streak of speed heading straight for the Stewart Mansion.

"I never thought you'd speak up for me," Stefan remarked, a faint smile playing on his lips as he glanced at Sara's flawlessly sculpted profile.

Eyes fixed on the road, her tone was flat. "I said I'd uphold the appearance of our engagement in public. In front of others, I am your fiancée. Of course, I'd take your side."

"Would be nice to have more scenes like that," Stefan murmured. His right hand drifted absently to his nose.

Sara caught the movement from the corner of her eye. Her expression instantly stiffened, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Wasn't holding me close enough earlier? You want more scenes like that so you can have another good feel, is that it?" Her voice turned icy.

"Sara, that's not what I meant at all. You've got it wrong. I just meant it would help us build rapport and... foster some feelings between us," Stefan denied earnestly, putting on a serious face.

"How shameless!" Sara snorted a cold laugh. She wasn't about to fall for his smooth talk.

Sara didn't slow down as she sped through the gates, bringing the car to a sharp stop before the West Compound Villa.

Stepping out together, they headed toward the entrance.

Almost immediately, Audrey's face brightened at the sight of them. She rushed over with a cheerful smile. "Stefan, you're back with Sara! That's wonderful—you two really should spend more time together like this."

Hearing the commotion, Chuck appeared. His expression darkened the moment he saw his daughter walking alongside Stefan.

He gave Sara a searching, puzzled look.

Wasn't she against this arranged marriage, too? So why is she here with him now?

Has she fallen for his smooth talk? This won't do—we have to stand together on this!

With that thought, Chuck fixed Stefan with a stern glare. "Well, boy? Did you finish the collection task for today?"

"Mr. Stewart, there are still a few places left to visit," Stefan replied calmly.

"Hmph!" Chuck let out a heavy, disapproving snort. "Can't even handle a simple matter. Clearly lacking capability. How could someone like you possibly be worthy of my daughter?"

"Chuck, have you lost your mind?" Audrey instantly rounded on him, planting a hand on her hip and jabbing a finger toward his face. "Didn't Accounting just report that the Tiger Head Society wired over the final payment? How many times did you go to collect that debt yourself, only to come back empty-handed and embarrassed? Stefan goes once, and the payment comes through, yet you claim he has no skill? What does that make you, then?"

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