Chapter 401: Chapter 401

“Long live, Mr. Harper!”

“Wow, he’s really going big! I’ll get myself an ACE membership as well!”

“And I’ll renew my membership for two more years! He has my trust!”

The patrons were deeply moved and thrilled.

Almost instantly, Angelina received a text from the sales department, reporting that it was a record-

breaking night for sales that year.

Landon might be incredibly wealthy and generous with his money, but he also possessed a keen business acumen.

While footing the bill of all the club’s patrons might seem like a financial hit, it garnered him immense goodwill. His decision not only reinforced ACE’s positive image but also encouraged spending, effectively killing three birds with one stone.

“I-It’s a huge waste.” Flustered, Lauren stared at her feet and pursed her lips.

“Oh, did my lavishness make you uneasy?” He arched a brow in amusement. Indeed, he had splurged and created a huge fuss for Lauren that night. However, it had been a long time since he had felt genuinely happy.

At one point, he couldn’t tell if he was trying to please her or simply satisfying his own desires.

She blinked at him and nodded.

“Pfft, this is interesting. Of all the women I dated, every single one of them wished I could splurge on them. But you feel guilty that I spent a fortune on you.”

Leaning against the railing, he studied her flushed cheeks with a charming smile. Then, he teased, “So, are you thinking of managing my finances in the future, you little thing?”

His words took on a rather suggestive tone in his slightly tipsy state. They stood closely together.

shoulder to shoulder.

Lauren didn’t immediately grasp the underlying meaning of his words, but she could feel his warm, ticklish breath against the tips of her ears.

She shivered and timidly shrugged as she retorted, “I … I am not the bank. I will not manage your money for you.”

“It’s not just banks that manage finances, Laurie,” Landon remarked with a soft smile. His chest rose and fell while he casually ran a hand through her soft, long hair. He found himself addicted to the feel of it.

“Why did you stop perming your hair? I loved seeing those curls on yo you.

Feeling a pang of pain in her chest, she looked away with teary eyes and confessed, “I do not like curls.”

“You don’t?” He was astonished. His heart felt empty the moment her hair slid through his fingers.

She went on, “I don’t like that hairstyle. By the way, I am also not a fan of nicknames, but I’ll let you call me “Laurie.” After all, you saved me once and helped me find my teddy bear tonight. So…”

She gazed up at him and added, “I’m truly grateful to you. You can ask for anything.”

Anything he wanted?

He felt the desire rising in him. His breathing grew heavy.

If any other woman had spoken those words to him, he would have interpreted it as a blatant sexual advance. Yet, coming from Lauren, it felt touching and rejuvenating.

Just then, a waiter entered the lounge with a bottle of decanted red wine and two wine glasses on a tray.

“Mr. Harper, announced the waiter, “this is a fine red wine that Mr. Perrin brought back from Furancia.

Please enjoy it with this young lady here.

Landon nodded at the waiter, who left and closed the door. Lauren’s eyes lit up at the sight of the red wine, and she licked her lips.

Reading her mind, he smiled and asked, “Shall we?”

“C-Can I?” Her eyes widened without any attempt at hiding her eagerness.

“Of course. I can tell you love wines. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have…” Landon trailed off, briefly recalling their adventure in the bushes. He cleared his throat and pushed down his urge.

Lauren acted quickly and boldly. She had poured the contents of the decanter into the glasses. Then, she took a few sniffs of the aroma like an innocent puppy.

Afterward, she swirled the wine and examined its color and the tears forming on the glass’ exterior. She looked like a sommelier with that finesse..

Finally, she took a tiny sip and savored the wine, feeling the change of flavors on her palate.