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
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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.
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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.
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