Chapter 4 Pretending to Be His Girlfriend

Meanwhile, at The Ivy Grill. Lilith Whitehead had been waiting for half an hour when Bernard Jacobson finally arrived. "Sorry to keep you waiting." Dressed in a silver-gray suit with subtle white patterns and a black shirt beneath, Bernard Jacobson stepped in. His strikingly handsome features exuded an irresistible charm—even the faintest upward curve of his lips sent Lilith's gaze faltering and her heart racing. She had seen Bernard on TV before, but now, with his tall, lean frame, broad shoulders, and narrow waist, he radiated the refined elegance of a noble prince, yet carried an untouchable, icy aloofness. She stilled her pounding heart and rose to her feet, offering a gentle, polite nod. "You're very punctual, Mr. Jacobson. I came early." Bernard took the seat across from her, glanced briefly at Lilith, then averted his eyes. "What would you like to eat?" Today, she was lightly made up, wearing Gucci's limited-edition diamond earrings and necklace, and a new Dior dress. Beautiful, yes—but this kind of beauty, adorned with wealth, failed to move him. "Whatever you choose is fine. I'm easygoing." "Hmm." Bernard pressed the call button on the table. A waiter promptly entered the private booth. He ordered the two most expensive single-course meals and a bottle of fine red wine. "Since you're the heiress of Fortis Group, why were you in the suburbs that day?" Leaning back in the booth, legs crossed, Bernard fixed his sharp gaze on Lilith. After returning to the company, he had investigated her background and learned all about her family. Lilith's heart seized. Her hands nervously tightened in her lap as she offered a bitter smile. "To be honest, working as a delivery rider was my father's way of testing me—seeing if I could endure hardship, so he could decide whether to let me take over the company." She had long memorized this story. When Bernard had invited her to meet a week later, she had told her parents. They had anticipated this question. So they had arranged to review the surveillance footage of the route Vivian Donovan took when rescuing Bernard to Serene Medical, learning exactly where the incident occurred and what Vivian had been doing. To avoid suspicion, Lilith had actually spent a full week delivering food—she couldn't begin to describe the humiliations she'd endured. "Your father has a good idea. A little trial is beneficial." Bernard nodded in approval of Frederick Whitehead's approach. "Yes, I think my father's method is excellent too." "Give me your account number. Tomorrow, my finance department will transfer one billion to you." "What?" Lilith didn't understand why he suddenly mentioned money. "That day, you risked your life to save me. This is your reward." "No… no need." A billion was certainly tempting, but what Lilith truly wanted was Bernard himself. She shook her head, smiling softly. "Even if it had been someone else in danger, I would have saved them. And in such a situation, no one with a conscience would have turned away." "If you won't accept payment, have your father contact me directly. I'll give Fortis Group priority in future projects." Fortis Group was Lilith's father's company. A sweet, radiant smile lit up her delicately made-up face. "Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Jacobson, but it's truly unnecessary." As she finished speaking, Bernard's phone suddenly rang. "Excuse me, I need to take this call." He picked up the phone—Scott Cross, his executive assistant. "What is it?" "Boss, I failed. I couldn't complete the task. Ms. Donovan has been taken back to the Jacobson Manor by Madam Jacobson." Scott Cross reported the full situation. "Why would Grandmother go there suddenly?" "I'm not sure either." Scott was equally puzzled—how had Madam Jacobson found out so quickly? Then he quickly added, "But from what she said, it seems she wants you to marry Ms. Donovan." Bernard's brow furrowed. Coldly, he said, "Out of the question." He hung up, staring at the screen in thought. When he looked up at Lilith, a sudden idea struck him. "Miss Whitehead, would you do me, Bernard Jacobson, a favor?" "I'd be honored. Please, just say it." "Pretend to be my girlfriend." "Girlfriend?"