Third person's POV
In this game of love, whoever falls for real first is the loser, and she lost.
So every word and glance from Leopold felt like a sharp thorn.
They had clearly defined their relationship long ago. She couldn't blame others, only herself for breaking the rules.
Talking about money yet falling in love was like cheating in a card game.
"Why are you looking at me like that? If you think the money is insufficient, I can add more."
"It's already quite a lot."
Gloria suddenly smiled and sat on Leopold's lap, hugging his neck as usual.
She was more certain than ever that leaving was the best way to end this relationship.
Before that, she mustn't let Leopold sense her intentions.
Gloria's eyes flickered with coquettishness as she said in a soft voice, "Triple the amount, and I want it now."
"Little money-grubber." Leopold gave her a light peck on the nose and took out his phone to transfer the money.
"Transfer it to Tabitha. I've been using her stuff on the island, and I feel bad about it."
"Alright, whatever you say."
Since Gloria planned to leave, she had been preparing.
Over these days, she had secretly transferred her money bit by bit.
Each transfer was small, or she had someone help her cash out.
Her savings were dwindling, as she feared Leopold might freeze her accounts in a fit of anger someday.
Leopold was quite generous, transferring three million to Tabitha's account.
Gloria felt a tinge of self-mockery. She was worth quite a lot, three million for one night.
Leopold had always had a high demand for women.
When he promoted her, he had already assessed her figure and observed her for some time before making his move.
On the surface, Leopold seemed very proper, but Gloria knew that beneath this facade, he was truly vile, like a demon.
After learning of her pregnancy, he had a rare pang of conscience and didn't touch her again.
Calculating the time, it had been several months.
Now, as he hurried to push her onto the bed, Gloria felt a bit uneasy. "I haven't taken a shower yet..."
"We'll shower after."
Gloria's hair was spread out on the white sheet.
It seemed like Leopold's illusion, but in bed, Gloria used to make him satisfied. Now, she appeared more human and fragile, which inexplicably stirred some tenderness in him, making his movements gentler.
"Have you been with anyone else all this time?" Gloria asked.
Leopold gave her a cold sidelong glance, apparently displeased with the question. "Do you think just anyone can share my bed?"
He slipped the ring back onto Gloria's finger and kissed her fingertips tenderly.
Though she came from an ordinary background and had never learned to play the piano, she had a pair of beautiful hands that fascinated Leopold.
"Remember the sheet music?" His lips moved to her earlobe, whispering.
Goodness gracious!
Gloria was about to go mad. The man was insane.
A year ago, he insisted on teaching her piano. With no foundation, she was tormented every day before sleep and forced to memorize sheet music.
When she finally got pregnant, that madness ceased, and now Leopold brought it up again.
"I don't remember."
"Take a few months off and memorize ten pieces."
"Okay." Gloria nodded. Since she intended to flee, her agreement was just a temporary expedient.
She tugged at Leopold's tie, pulling him down, her eyes brimming with passion as if to drown him.
"Babe, love me properly."
Just this once, let her indulge freely on this last night.
"Call me like this when we're alone." Leopold sealed her lips with a kiss.
That night, Gloria was more proactive than ever. Leopold felt himself getting lost in her.
She nestled in his arms, wide awake. "When can I go back?"
"Wait another two months until you're fully recovered."
"Alright, it's nice here. Staying longer might improve my mood. When are you planning to leave with so many business matters?" This was what Gloria really wanted to ask.
"Missing me already?"
"I'm worried about your business losses, which would mean I have to compensate with a large sum. I won't stand for that."
Leopold pinched her waist lightly and smiled. "I'm afraid you'll lose your love for money someday, making you impossible to control."
Gloria kissed his lips. "Never, I'm easy to handle."
Gloria's unusual compliance aroused Leopold's suspicion, but he couldn't find any flaws.
They lazily got up for lunch around noon, and Alpha Leopold spent the afternoon with Gloria.
He had never been so calm.
Prompted by Beta several times, Alpha Leopold finally decided to leave.