Chapter 178

The Consortium’s Heir Chapter 178 Darius took the key. “Thank you.”

After that, he turned to head to his apartment. He stopped after a couple of steps and turned to look at Ayla. “This receptionist is great.

Ayla’s expression changed, and she immediately nodded. “I understand, Mr. Reid.”

As Darius walked out of the lobby, he vaguely heard Ayla say, “You’re doing an excellent job, so you can choose between getting a promotion or a raise. You should know that this is a special situation–if you choose to be promoted, so be it, but I’ll only give you a raise once you’ve gained enough experience to match up to your position. However, I’ll still give you all the power that comes with your position.”

The receptionist wanted to jump with joy at Ayla’s words.

On the other hand, a small smile formed on Darius‘ lips, but this didn’t stop him from heading to his destination. Just as he thought he would soon be at his apartment, he heard someone call his name.

The voice was a little familiar, but it hadn’t left a deep enough impression for him to remember. He stopped and turned in the direction the voice had come from to see a beautiful woman standing there.

He recognized her–she was Pearl Chamberlain, the third most gorgeous woman in his university. She’d once slapped him, then thanked him for helping her. He put his hands in his pockets and watched as she approached him, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath.

Darius narrowed his eyes. She was attractive, but perhaps her beauty would work better on someone else. He moved his gaze from her chest to her face and asked, “Do you have something you need me for?”

Pearl didn’t answer him. She was still wondering why he hadn’t shown any reaction to her body and had even averted his gaze so quickly. However, it wasn’t a question she could bring herself to ask. Then, Darius‘ question registered in her mind.

She felt disappointed but didn’t forget what she was here for. “Darius, I want to express my gratitude and do something for you.”

Darius started to frown. He was about to turn her down when she continued, “I know you don’t need my gratitude, but it’s all that I can give you.” Everyone in the lobby heard her.

Darius didn’t like how things were playing out, so he headed to his apartment. Pearl ran after him when she saw him ignore her.

Her heels clicked rapidly against the floor.

The rest of the people in the lobby all looked curious.

Darius made his way to his apartment as Peal ran after him. He was much more powerful now that his martial arts skills had been awakened. He could hear Pearl struggling to catch her breath as she ran behind him, but to his surprise, she didn’t let her exhaustion stop her.

Even though she’d slowed down and could barely breathe, she persevered Darius didn’t slow down, however. He was still miffed about what had happened earlier. He only stopped once he was at his apartment.

He turned to say to Pearl, “You’re pretty fast.”

She was taken aback and subconsciously wanted to gnash her teeth. She thought about just leaving, but she found that she was so exhausted she couldn’t say a word. All she could do now was pant. On the bright side, Darius‘ attitude toward her had improved. At least he hadn’t kicked her out without a second thought.

She watched him walk into the apartment. After a moment’s hesitation, she followed him. She didn’t go into his bedroom or sit in the living room. Her clothes were soaked with sweat because of her vigorous workout, and her hair stuck to her face.

When Darius came out of the bedroom and saw her looking so disheveled, he had to admit that she still looked good. He sat down on one of the sofas and pointed at the one opposite him, saying, “You can have a seat.”

Pearl immediately complied, looking overjoyed. It made his mind go blank for a short while. Once again, he couldn’t help but appreciate her beauty.

Soon, however, he returned to his senses. “I don’t need your gratitude. I only helped your family because I despised Hank’s actions.”

The memory of what happened in the cafeteria replayed in Pearl’s mind. She was smart enough not to bring it up. She could tell from Darius‘ genuine disgust that there had been a misunderstanding.

Darius could feel her eyes on him, and he sensed the change in her gaze, but he didn’t react. He merely looked at her silently.

Only then did Pearl realize she hadn’t answered him. Feeling slightly panicked, she quickly said, “I’m still extremely grateful to you, though. It may not mean anything to you, but it’s all I have. Please, give me a chance to thank you.”

Darius thought about it and noticed that she’d chased after him several times now. He was worried that things would continue this way, so he agreed to her request. “Alright, then. How do you intend to repay me? Make sure it doesn’t waste my time, though.”

Pearl was stunned. She’d originally intended to invite him for dinner, but he’d just made it clear that he wasn’t willing to spend time on this. Several thoughts flashed through her mind, but none of them met the mark. She couldn’t suggest any of her ideas.

Just as Darius was starting to lose his patience, she said, “I’ll pick you up tomorrow for the first day of class, then drop you back here at night. How’s that?”

His expression immediately turned steely, and Pearl felt like she couldn’t breathe. She didn’t know why his expression had changed so suddenly, and she couldn’t even find the words to describe it.

She bit her lip, unable to say a word through her fear. She wanted to repay Darius, but it seemed she’d only worsened things.

Then, she watched as Darius shot into the study and switched the computer on. She blinked, and there seemed to be a voice in her mind telling her the answer to her questions.