Chapter 1236

Chapter 1236:

When Lilian noticed his hesitation, her lips curved into a knowing smile.

“What? Are you afraid I’ll drug you?”

Without breaking eye contact, she lifted the glass and drained it in one smooth motion.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Cooper. I like you, so I wouldn’t use such dirty tricks on you. I’ve already drunk your wine, and I’m fine. You should trust me now, right?”

She wouldn’t use dirty tricks? Hadn’t she used such tricks many times before? The thought flickered through Jared’s mind, but he found himself taking the seat anyway. Lilian poured another glass, which he accepted.

The private room’s door remained ajar, offering Madisyn a clear view of the unfolding scene. Settling into his chair, Jared fixed his gaze on Lilian.

“I’ve finished the wine. Miss Perkins, just get to the point. There’s no need to beat around the bush.”

A smile played across Lilian’s features.

“I wasn’t beating around the bush. I indeed like you, but the reason I invited you here tonight is more than just that.”

She leaned forward slightly.

“I know you want Fisherman’s Cove. I can use my family’s influence to help you get it.”

What did that mean?

Confusion clouded Jared’s thoughts. Their first encounter had brought an unexpected request for romance, and now she was offering her family’s power to aid him. The woman’s true motives remained an enigma. His mind raced through possibilities.

“Miss Perkins, you wouldn’t help me for no reason, would you?” Jared asked, his tone carefully measured.

Lilian’s response came with practiced elegance, her words flowing like honey laced with purpose.

“Of course, but the condition is simple. You marry me. With our union, my family becomes your fortress, and Fisherman’s Cove falls into your hands. Every advantage you can imagine will be yours for the taking. Mr. Cooper, my interest in you runs deep. This deserves your careful consideration.”

As Jared stepped out of the private room, conflicting emotions played across his features like shadows at dusk. As he exited the Homelight Club with Madisyn, Madisyn’s concern manifested in a quick question.

“Did she do anything to you?”

Jared’s head moved in denial as he struggled to articulate the bizarre encounter that had just unfolded within those walls.

“I haven’t given her an answer yet,” he began, weighing each word.

“I think this might be our window into investigating the Perkins family, but…”

His voice trailed off into uncertain silence. The opportunity dangled before them like a double-edged sword – promising yet perilous. Madisyn’s brow furrowed in contemplation.

“Let’s not rush. Unless we can’t avoid it, Estresa still remains our starting point.”

Back in the club, Lilian’s gaze settled on her assistant, curiosity dancing in her eyes.

“Do you think he’ll accept my proposition?”

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