Krystle tagged along with Anya to the registration office, her mind mulling about Linus.
Anya spoke to the villa owner who was brainwashed by Alvin's lawyers and got the villa at a much lesser price.
Using his unlimited facility of the bank, Alvin wired the entire amount at the flick of his fingers. They signed papers and completed all the procedures smoothly.
Earl handed her the ownership papers with the keys, "Make sure you change the locks first. And Congratulations." Earl was present so that the owner doesn't start any trouble for Anya.
Anya smiled happily, content for getting the home Zane liked. "Tha…."
Krystle, who was just physically present there, exclaimed out of blue, "I got it!" Then she squealed, "I am so smart."
"Huh?" Anya's head tilted in confusion looking at her friend obsessed with herself. Others looked at her like they were seeing a madwoman who lost her mind.
Krystle looked or cared about nobody but Anya, "Annie, I know why he rejected me." She pounced on Anya and hugged her with a wide grin on her face.
Others: "…"
Krystle indeed looked like a lady who lost her mind. Who smiles at the rejection?
Krystle broke the hug and exclaimed, "You are my goddess." She wouldn't have pondered about the rejection if Anya hadn't pushed her to give more thought to it.
She kissed hard on Anya's cheek and took her handbag. She fished the car key fob and ran out, "I will borrow your car."
Anya and Earl: "…"
Alvin rubbed Anya's cheek, glaring at the departing figure. Only he was allowed to leave the mark on her. And Rob was speechless looking at Alvin's actions.
—————
Alvin glared at the two seeing them smile too much before they parted their ways. He narrowed his eyes at the woman and bleated, "I am the one who paid."
What if Earl found the villa? She was able to buy it with his help.
Anya: "…"
She couldn't believe Alvin was jealous of Earl. Earl was a busy man, she appreciated his kindness. She was thanking Earl for helping her with the villa and also for arriving at the registration office to assist if necessary.
Anya chose a different way to handle the man, "Do you need my gratitude for helping me?" Anya probed standing in akimbo.
Alvin gave a thought about it as he took her towards the car. Right, what will he do with her 'thank you,' "You can use different ways to show your gratitude."
Anya nodded, her lips curling playfully. She went closer as though she was going to kiss him on the cheek but whispered, "Sure, let's celebrate with some wine."
Alvin: "…"
Anya burst into laughter, pointing at his face.
....
Sitting in the Rolls Royce, Anya looked at the stoic handsome face of Alvin who didn't like her joke of wine. She poked him and he ignored her like a child throwing tantrums, for more attention.
"Alvin…" Anya wanted to ask him about Linus. Krystle had gone out of her way to find the truth about Alvin's departure, Anya wanted to help her too.
She pondered for a while before another mischief landed in her brain. 'Honey trap.' She and Luna had used it in one of the missions. With Alvin, she was considering taking a step forward, after all, her opponent is strong.
She took the file from Alvin's hand and shut it, slowly looking at him sideways. Her lips parted slightly and blinked softly.
Alvin felt like something stuck in his throat witnessing her small but impactful actions. Is his Little Donut turning into a temptress? Alvin wouldn't believe her act. "Aren't you sober yet?" His cold tone barely softened, catching her act easily.
Anya: "..."
She went to the corner and sulked, embarrassed to the bones.
Alvin silently laughed seeing her reaction. He closed the privacy screen first. Then wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her on his lap, straddling him.
Anya, who expected him to pull her closer, squeaked trying to get off his lap, "Alvin…" As they had a lot to shop for, Anya was in just a simple sweater dress and white sneakers. With their position, the hem of the dress shifted, baring her legs. She tried to pull the hems but was useless.
Knowing why she was uncomfortable, Alvin kept his eyes on her flushed face and hands away from her legs. "How were you trying to seduce me?" His deep hypnotic voice easily grabbed her attention.
Anya pursed her lips for falling into her own dug grave. She wasn't going to embarrass herself more by responding to him, "You should ask why." Her voice barely reached his ears.
Alvin went with her choice, "Why were you trying to seduce me?"
Getting her chance, forgetting about her discomfort, Anya started her questionnaire, "Was Linus in a relationship before?"
Alvin was cool about the question as she was interested to know about Linus for Loudmouth, "Nope."
"Any bad experiences?"
Alvin never heard of Linus having a girlfriend, "Nope."
Anya pouted hearing his one-word responses. "Then why isn't he ready to commit to a girl and be in a relationship? He doesn't seem to be an irresponsible kind."
Alvin flicked on her nose seeing her get sad, "What are the important things a girl sees in a guy for a relationship?"
Suddenly in the mood for mischief, Anya grinned, pointing at his face, "Handsome." She stuck her tongue and giggled.
Alvin: "…"
He should be glad to see her comfortable but why did she make it sound like she was with him because he was handsome?
Anya sighed, shaking her head, indicating he wasn't, "Gentle and caring man."
'Wasn't he gentle enough?' This woman is trying to infuriate him.
Anya stopped playing around before her mischief could slap her in the face like her failed honey trap.
She looked at Alvin and described him, "Willing to compromise, affectionate, trustworthy, true to his words, thoughtful, supportive, inde-" Anya's eyes faintly widened, "Independent."
Alvin shrugged indicating that could be a reason. He never spoke anything about it with Linus, so it was his deduction. He expected the problem to appear when Krystle's parents would get to know about Linus. It turned out that Linus was trying to follow his passion, running away from life.
Anya thoughtlessly leaned on Alvin, wrapping her arm around his neck, while guessing what Linus might be going through.
She was always amazed knowing how Linus selflessly manages the NGO. She couldn't believe the same thing was stopping him from being in any relationship.
Being dependent on Alvin and the Collins family, Linus was trying to be responsible by not bringing anybody into his life as he couldn't provide for them.
Did Krystle fathom the same? Anya finished her mobile from her dress pocket and dropped a message to Krystle. She was worried about both of them.
Anya mumbled when Alvin was holding his control, against her squirming on his lap, "Is there a solution for this?"
Alvin pulled her away and breathed to calm his mind but her scent continued to let his mind go wild. He was being punished for his actions, "There are solutions."
"Huh?" Anya tilted her head, wondering what could be the solution. Krystle might be fine to accept as Linus was. But Linus might not be comfortable as Krystle would be the breadwinner for both.
Alvin brushed on her nose, seeing her eagerness, "Linus will have to make a career, reducing his attention on his passion."
Anya nodded while in her thoughts. Will Linus change for Krystle? But they don't know what he dreams and aspires to be. Asking him to change wouldn't be appropriate.
"He loves what he does," Anya remarked, unsure about this solution.
Alvin poked her head. Sometimes she becomes a little girl who doesn't want to think. "Do you remember what you wanted to be when you were studying?"
Anya just used to work at Alvin's company and Alvin wanted his software company. But chose a completely different path due to circumstances, yet both are happy in their new line.
Anya smiled sheepishly, caressing his cheeks, "Then you should help Linus if he wants to start a business or needs a job." She just wanted Linus and Krystle's path to be clear and be together.
Alvin slowly breathed. She got way too comfortable on his lap that she was teasing him. "Little Donut, you are playing with fire." He warned her.
Despite fathoming what he meant, she asked, "And where is the fire?" It was him who took her on his lap. She was just touching his… Gorgeous face and also tempted to kiss.
Alvin's eyes darkened. Looks like he should give her the taste of fire. He cupped her head and caught her lips.
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