Chapter 76

This was her condition, and she had to make it clear to Mason.

They had no emotional connection, so it was best to keep things

practical. He wanted her to be Mrs. Lockwood. In return, she wanted

what she deserved.

Being the astute person he was, Mason immediately noticed her

transformation. Zoe had evolved from a girl into a woman.

She had learned to be patient and negotiate with a man. She no longer

demanded his affection. She had become pragmatic.

Mason had always admired pragmatic people like Gregory's sister,

Gabriela. He used to imagine that his future wife would be as smart and

capable as her. However, in the end, he married the delicate and gentle

Zoe.

However, now that Zoe became more pragmatic, he seemed

displeased.

He felt uneasy. He scoffed, "I see that you've learned how to negotiate,

Mrs. Lockwood."

Zoe continued softly, "I have one more condition, Mason. I don't want to

take money from you or Ava anymore. I want 2% of Lockwood

Corporation's shares."

Mason was quite surprised. His eyebrows raised, and he coldly

laughed. "Do you know the value of 2% of Lockwood Corporation?

Conservatively, it's worth at least 700 million. Mrs. Lockwood, aren't

you biting off more than you can chew?"

Zoe lowered her gaze and smiled lightly.

After a moment, she looked up at him and said, "Mason, I've learned to

be cunning from spending so much time with someone like you.

Whether you love me or not, I have the right to enjoy your wealth as

Mrs. Lockwood.

"Moreover, if you're unwilling to divorce me because you're afraid I'll

sleep with someone else, isn't it worth the price for your noble pride?

When you get tired of my body, I can leave with the shares, and

everyone will be happy. Besides, 2% of the shares won't cause much of

a stir.”

Mason leaned back into the couch behind him. He stared at her coldly

for a while, then took out a velvet box from his suit pocket.

Zoe recognized it as her wedding ring.

Mason played with the box with his long fingers, a hint of amusement in

his handsome face. "Mrs. Lockwood, you've actually convinced me. But

I have a condition too. You can't sell the 2% shares.”

Zoe agreed.

What she originally wanted was just a share of the profits.

Mason opened the velvet box, revealing a dazzling diamond ring. He

looked into her eyes and said, "In addition to the shares, I'll allocate

three million dollars to you every month. Also, from now on, all the

valuable jewelry worth millions in the house belongs to you."

Zoe's expression remained calm. "I don't want any of that."

Mason's gaze was intense. "But I must give them to you.”

Zoe did not catch on, and Mason had already pulled her into his arms.

He lowered his head and kissed her, his lips pressing against hers.

After several years of marriage, although sex was frequent, kisses were

rare. Zoe was always reserved and never took the initiative. However,

Mason did not mind. From a man's perspective, he preferred his wife to

be a bit reserved.

He liked knowing that he was the one to add color to Zoe's pale face,

bit by bit, just like now.

Mason kissed her passionately.

He tried various angles until her lips absorbed his taste, and she clung

to his body, feeling his desire.

Mason stopped.

He lightly touched her rosy lips and said, "Mrs. Lockwood, you're truly

irresistible right now. I think...any man would be willing to lay everything

at your feet."

However, his tone carried a hint of sarcasm, because their marriage,

once fueled by Zoe's one-sided affection, had turned into a transaction.

He had thought he would not care. He just needed a Mrs. Lockwood,

and Zoe happened to be the most suitable person. So he had invested

money in her, but not his heart.

True love was something Zoe had abandoned, and Mason did not care

for it either.