People tend to do really embarrassing things in their livesâthings that, when remembered late at night, make them cringe so hard they can't sleep.
James was furious, mostly because he had, in fact, done a lot of stupid things in the past.
Now, this bitch was exposing them all in public. He wanted to strangle her.
But... when Amanda took his hand, he slowly calmed down.
Right now, Amanda's feelings were what mattered most.
Victory was within reach, and he didn't want to ruin it by upsetting her.
James gently set Timmy down, handing her over to Jay Johnson.
Then he turned back to Amanda, firmly grasping her hand and softly reassuring her,
"Wife, don't listen to that crazy bitch. I was just messing around with her before."
"I know," Amanda replied with a nod.
She wasn't really bothered by the other woman's slander.
James was loadedâthere was no way he could have been a delivery driver.
What delivery guy has sixty million just lying around to spend on others?
This must have been some rich kid's way of experiencing the "real world."
Amanda didn't doubt James. She was more worried that their relationship would make him a laughingstock.
That's why she had called him "little brother" earlierânot just for his sake, but for her own too.
In her situation, being the "older sister" was definitely better than being the "wife."
At least that way, she wouldn't embarrass him as much.
She never intended to take advantage of himâit was just that when he'd held her close and called her "wife," she'd felt a tiny spark.
Filled with remorse, Amanda murmured,
"Maybe you should just call me 'sis' from now on."
James looked into Amanda's eyes, seeing a hint of vulnerability.
He realized she was probably afraid of dragging him down, worried that he'd be ridiculed for being with her.
That's why she wanted him to call her "sis."
A sudden thought struck James. What if disregarding others' opinions could actually boost her affection level?
This was the perfect opportunity to test his theory.
"Sis, don't worry," he said, stepping forward and boldly embracing her. Gazing deeply into her eyes, he spoke softly,
"No matter what anyone says, I like you."
Amanda was taken aback by his sudden confession. Her eyes widened, and her heart pounded in her chest.
James noticed her body trembling slightly in his arms. A subtle smile played on his lips as he continued,
"Since they're saying I'm after a sugar mama, let's show them what that really looks like. I'll give you money from now on, and you can take care of me. How about that?"
"And I'll treat Timmy like my own daughter, okay?"
Amanda's gaze turned hazy. She wanted to say something but couldn't find the words, so she just stood there, frozen.
James saw Amanda's lips slightly parted, her expression dazed.
Her luscious red lips looked incredibly tempting.
He felt an overwhelming urge to kiss her.
Giving in to his desire, James leaned in and, ignoring the shocked onlookers, kissed her deeply.
Their lips met, and as he inhaled her unique fragrance, James was lost in the moment.
Amanda felt his tenderness, and the walls around her heart crumbled. She wrapped her arms around him, surrendering to the kiss.
Timmy, wide-eyed and curious, watched her mother and James kiss, her little mind undoubtedly racing with questions.
The onlookers were stunned speechless, their eyes burning with envy and jealousy.
What the hell? Shouldn't the rich woman be dumping the gold digger and turning her attention to one of us?
Why are they making out in public?
And they look even happier now?
How did such a gorgeous, wealthy woman fall for a smooth-talking pretty boy?
Is there no justice in this world? Is there no law? Don't we have a shot?
They cursed inwardly but didn't dare to voice their complaints. After all, what right did they have to criticize a couple kissing?
It wasn't against the law to kiss in public.
Some people, seeing that the drama seemed to have fizzled out, started to leave.
Anna, hiding in the back, didn't dare to say another word.
She had already said her piece, and the rich woman clearly didn't care about James's past. If she continued to stir things up, she'd only be asking for trouble.
The scene was quiet now, with no one interrupting the couple.
After a long, passionate moment, their lips finally parted.
James held Amanda close, her face flushed, and teased softly in her ear,
"Sis, if you don't say anything, I'll take that as a yes."
Amanda, still breathless from the kiss, closed her eyes and leaned into his embrace, whispering,
"Are you sure you don't mind us... a mother and daughter?"
"I adore you both. How could I possibly mind?"
"Why do you like me?"
"Because your beauty and strength... they make me feel like I'm home."
"Did you say the same sweet things to your ex-girlfriend?"
"No. I swear, I never even touched her."
Amanda said nothing. Instead, she looked up into his eyes, searching for any hint of deception. All she saw was sincerity.
It made her want to give herself to him completely.
Sensing that the moment was right, James whispered,
"Sis, be my woman."
Amanda smiled faintly. "As long as you don't mind."
[System prompt: Amanda's affection level +10]
[Current affection level: 89. Spending: $60.05 million]
[Congratulations, host! Cashback successful. You have received $60.05 million in cash.]
[Total cashback has reached $50 million. Rewarding one lucky draw.]
!!!!
Hearing the system's prompts, James almost burst out laughing.
After all the blood, sweat, and tears, he had finally done it! He had secured the bag! And a lucky draw tooâthat was unexpected!
Amanda is truly the best, he thought. A simple kiss and she's up ten points.
If anything "unexpected" happens in the future, I might just hit 100.
Lost in fantasies of his bright future, James mentally clicked on the lucky draw in his mind.
[Congratulations, host! You have won: Hypnosis (3 uses)]
[Hypnosis: Allows you to implant a strong suggestion in a non-goddess target's mind, compelling them to firmly execute the implanted idea.]
Holy crap!
This is insane!
He could tell a certain someone to transfer him a few billion, or maybe some company shares, and he'd be set for life.
He could rule the world!
James was ecstatic, practically itching to run out and find his target.
But then he remembered that those guys had tons of people watching their money.
Messing with their finances would definitely attract unwanted attention.
Besides, he was already loaded. With the system, he was practically swimming in cash. There was no need to risk everything for a bit more.
James calmed down, his excitement fading slightly.
Looks like this hypnosis thing is better suited for self-defense or maybe just showing off, he mused.
Oh well, at least I have a new skill now. If Anna tries anything again, I'll show her what real cruelty is.
Feeling smug, James leaned in and kissed the alluring Amanda again.
The onlookers, witnessing this shameless display of affection, could only curse under their breaths.
Why isn't the ex-girlfriend doing anything? they wondered. Shouldn't she be tearing those two apart by now?
Anna did want to ruin James's happiness, but she was terrified of the rich woman's potential retaliation.
Imagining the resources and power at the woman's disposal, Anna decided to back off.
She started to slink away, hoping to disappear unnoticed.
But just then, a new voice cut through the air.
A beautiful woman suddenly appeared, rushing toward James and Amanda, her voice filled with fury.
"What do you think you're doing?" she demanded.