His Destructive, Toxic Love

"Mr. Casper, you really don't hold back, do you? A million for just a painting?"

She always had disdain for the wealthy and their superiority complex, especially Casper. They thought they could control everything. Casper didn't mind her sarcasm one bit, glancing down at a particular area of himself, "Indeed, I never hold back in other areas, too."

Eliza immediately caught on to his innuendo. She glared at him with disgust. "I'm not the right person for this, Mr. Casper. Maybe you should find someone else."

"Do you think a million isn't enough, Ms. Valerie? Or..." He locked the car and leaned closer, his slender fingers almost brushing her cheek. "... is your appetite so large? Can Aaron even satisfy you?" Eliza turned her face away, dodging his fingers. "Have you always been this disrespectful towards women?"

"If you feel offended, then I truly deserve the harshest punishment."

His tone was teasing and flirtatious, making her stomach churn. He expected her to react angrily, but she just looked at him coolly. "You indeed deserve the harshest punishment."

"My apologies." He quickly pulled back his hand, a smirk playing on his lips. "I lost my composure. You look so much like my late wife."

"Using that as an excuse to harass women can't be a first for you, Mr. Casper." Her voice dripped with disdain and contempt.

Casper shrugged, unabashedly locking eyes with her. "Ms. Valerie, I am quite selective. Not just any woman catches my eye. I think you don't know me well enough yet."

She couldn't stand his gaze, turning

her face away to avoid further conversation. There was nothing to discuss with someone like Casper, whether it was the Eliza of the past

or the Valerie of now.

"Mr. Casper, I think you also don't know me very well. I'm not money hungry, and my painting skills aren't that exceptional. Please, find someone else."

She tried to open the car door, only to find it still locked. A wave of irritation surged within her.

Turning to him, her tone carried a hint of dissatisfaction. "Mr. Casper, what is the meaning of this? Do I not even have the right to leave?"

"Ms. Valerie," Casper adopted a

gentle and elegant demeanor, "Wouldn't you like to meet my friend? He's very innocent. He clutches a teddy bear all day, calling out for his sister. Sadly, his sister passed away, and he still doesn't know. Quite tragic, really

Eliza's heart clenched, but she kept her expression calm. "Are you trying to sell your friend's tragedy?"

"I'm merely asking for a favor-no need to be so guarded. If you insist on not helping, I can explain to my innocent friend. However, whether his condition worsens, I cannot say."

Eliza's brows furrowed, and she took

a deep breath, pushing down the surge of emotion threatening to

burst forth. She had experienced et

Casper's shamelessness and despicableness countless times before. He hadn't changed at all. In

fact, he seemed to be getting worse.

"Since you are so deeply committed to your friend and so generous, it would be rude of me to refuse. I can create a portrait for your friend, but per usual terms, payment comes first."

"No problem." Casper smiled nonchalantly, pulling out his phone from his pocket and offering it to her. "Ms. Valerie, shall we exchange contact information then?"