Chapter6 A Kiss

Miranda pulled back the two signed property agreements with a satisfied smile.

Although her father had been suspended pending investigation, he'd controlled Lancaster for so many years. Who knew how much money he'd hidden away.

Going head to head with him right now wasn't smart.

She really had to thank Ariana for providing such a perfect opportunity.

Tomorrow, after transferring the two villas, she could follow this lead and have someone investigate the source of her father's mysterious funds.

Dominic stared at the two agreements like someone had carved chunks of flesh from his body. He barely touched his food before returning to his room with a dark expression.

Miranda didn't care.

The next morning, she received a call from an unknown number.

On the other end was Clifton's deep, detached voice.

"My grandfather wants to meet you. Come to the Prescott estate for dinner today."

"Also, unless something unexpected happens, you'll need to live with me from now on."

Thinking of the hundred million in compensation, Miranda didn't hesitate.

"Okay."

After hanging up, she thought to herself that she shouldn't tell her mother and brother about the flash marriage with Clifton for the compensation just yet.

No point worrying them.

She went to her mother's room with an excuse ready.

"Mom, now that I'm divorced from Harrison, I need some space to clear my head. I'm going to stay at the downtown apartment for a while."

Arabella immediately agreed.

"That's fine. Living alone will help you relax. Better than staying here and having to see your biased father and getting upset all over again."

That afternoon, at the Prescott estate.

The elegant estate exuded understated luxury at every turn.

Miranda had just gotten out of the taxi when she saw Clifton in his wheelchair, waiting at the estate's main entrance.

The two entered one after the other. In the living room, they met the head of the Prescott family, Clifton's grandfather.

Mr. Prescott was sharp and energetic with keen eyes, but when he saw Miranda, his expression turned gentle.

"So you're Miranda. Good girl. Even prettier than your photos."

He nodded with satisfaction, then shot a glare at Clifton beside him.

"If this boy ever gives you trouble, you tell me. I'll set him straight!"

Miranda smiled and replied softly, "Grandfather, Clifton treats me very well."

Clifton's grandfather was clearly pleased with her obedience. He pulled her close and peppered her with questions.

"How did you two meet?"

"Miranda, you really don't mind marrying my grandson, even though he's disabled?"

Miranda instinctively glanced at Clifton.

His expression was unreadable behind the mask. He said nothing, showing no intention of helping her out.

She had no choice but to play along.

She lowered her eyes, affecting a shy manner.

"Grandfather, Clifton has always been every socialite's ideal husband in our circle. I've actually liked him for a long time."

"So I don't regret marrying him."

She repeated to herself that this was all for the hundred million in compensation, to satisfy Mr. Prescott.

Worried Clifton's grandfather wouldn't believe her, she went all in. She turned to the side and, right in front of Clifton's grandfather, leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on Clifton's cold mask.

"I'll take good care of him."

In the wheelchair, Clifton clearly hadn't expected Miranda's move. He lowered his eyes, concealing his expression.

Seeing this, Clifton's grandfather's smile deepened. He was thoroughly satisfied.

"Good, good! You're a wonderful granddaughter in law!"

He immediately had the butler bring out a folder and handed it to Miranda.

"This is a welcoming gift from me. A villa in the south district."

Miranda quickly declined. "Grandfather, this is too much. I can't accept it."

But before she finished speaking, Clifton suddenly spoke up.

"If Grandfather is giving it to you, take it."

Clifton's gaze fixed on Miranda.

Miranda didn't refuse again.

Watching the couple's affectionate interaction, Clifton's grandfather was delighted and made his decision.

"Since you two get along so well, don't leave tonight. Stay at the estate!"

"I've already had the servants prepare a room."

Miranda and Clifton exchanged glances. Neither refused.

...

That evening, after dinner.

Miranda came out of the bathroom, warm steam still rising from her skin.

She looked up to see Clifton leaning against the headboard, holding some documents.

Moonlight streamed through the window, falling on his mask.

Miranda knew her obligation in this contract marriage was to care for him. She walked toward the bed.

"It's late. You should rest. Staying up isn't good for your leg injury."

She reached toward Clifton.

But the man quickly pulled the documents away. Miranda's hand was deflected by the papers, and she accidentally bumped the mask on his face.

With a soft click, the mask fell away.

Strong brows, striking eyes, a high nose bridge.

Miranda's heart skipped a beat. He wasn't disfigured?

And this face looked exactly like the man who'd saved her in that abandoned warehouse!

But she quickly dismissed the thought.

Impossible.

Clifton was the Prescott heir. He'd just been in a car accident recently. How could he have been in a place like that?

She steadied herself and moved closer to Clifton.

"Your face isn't disfigured?" Miranda's voice carried surprise.

"That's not your concern." Clifton's voice was cold.

Looking at the man before her, Miranda wondered about his reasons for hiding his true appearance.

Could there be some danger?

"Clifton, now that I know your secret, aren't you afraid I'll tell people?"

"Are you threatening me?" Clifton's voice held a dangerous edge.

Miranda wanted to step back and create some safe distance.

But before she could move, a hot hand suddenly grabbed her wrist.

The world spun. A powerful force pulled her forward, and she landed in the man's solid lap.

"You..."

She'd barely gotten out a word when the man's handsome face filled her vision. His cool lips pressed down hard on hers.

The kiss was demanding and left no room for resistance.

Miranda instinctively struggled, pushing her hands against his chest.

"Mm... let go..."

Pop.

A button on the front of her nightgown came undone in the struggle.

The man seemed to notice. He paused for a moment, then kissed her even more intensely.

Time passed, so long Miranda felt like she might suffocate, before Clifton finally released her.

His eyes darkened as his gaze fell on the pale fullness exposed at her chest. His Adam's apple bobbed.

Miranda noticed where the man was looking. She crossed her arms over her chest, her voice indignant.

"That wasn't in the agreement. I'm not selling my body!"

Seeing the woman's flustered state, Clifton felt playful.

"What, you think you get a hundred million that easily?"

The flush faded slightly from Miranda's face. "But we agreed..."

Clifton cut her off. "Relax. I'm not interested in women like you."

Miranda frowned. "Then why did you just kiss me?"

Clifton looked Miranda over.

He had to admit this woman was truly beautiful.

He leaned close to her ear, his voice husky.

"Grandfather just sent someone to the door. I didn't have time to tell you."

Miranda understood immediately.

It was an act.

She relaxed, relieved.

Just a kiss. She wasn't losing anything.

She had to admit, Clifton's face was flawless perfection.

And when she'd struggled just now, she'd felt his chest and abs. The muscles were firm and full. The sensation was very nice.

Miranda patted her hot cheeks, climbed off his lap, and quickly walked to the other side of the bed. She lay down and pulled the covers over her head.

Clifton looked at the small lump under the blankets, suppressing the heat rising in his body.

"This won't be the last time. Whether in public or private, there will be many more occasions when you'll need to be close to me. Get used to it."

Under the covers, Miranda made a muffled sound of acknowledgment.

A moment later, Clifton braced his hands on the wheelchair armrests and stood up steadily. He walked straight toward the bathroom.

Miranda, facing away with the blanket over her head, naturally didn't notice.

The man behind her had legs full of strength. He looked nothing like someone disabled.