Carabella had suspected Jefferson's sudden, indirect attention was due to an ulterior motive. Jefferson was furious to see someone disobeying his orders. Therefore, Jefferson always diverted the conversation so Carabella wouldn't have to answer Larissa's pointless questions that could also lower the price of her thorns. Although in the eyes of others, Jefferson's actions were very romantic, to Carabella, it was all just an act. In her eyes, Jefferson was the cruelest man who treated her like a doll.
This time, Carabella didn't hesitate to push away the soft hand and avert her eyes. "I deeply regret signing a contract with you."
"Ella, you really don't understand what I mean. Actually, I–"
"I don't care what you say. What I do know is that you recruited me because you were bored with your life without toying with me. Now you're controlling my life!"
His right hand clenched tightly. He had initially wanted to discuss this matter with Carabella, but it had failed. For some reason, explaining this misunderstanding was so difficult, it was making him extremely upset. Was he now going to drag this girl with him to his new house? How could he soften this girl's heart, who was so cold to him?
"I don't feel like arguing with you anymore. Anyway, we have to go to my new house now. Raul will drive us there."
"You're so annoying, Jefferson!"
"If you keep refusing my proposal, I'm sure you'll suffer for the rest of your life. I've told you many times. If you don't want to cry, you have to satisfy me first!"
*****
Carabella remained silent throughout the journey to Jefferson's new residence. Once again, she didn't dare raise her head, feeling herself inferior to Raul. Gazing at Raul's clean and tidy appearance, despite working as Jefferson's personal assistant, she felt envious. If only she had the same self-esteem as those around her.
Upon arriving at the mansion, Carabella walked inside with Jefferson and Raul. The first time she set foot in the house, her eyes widened at the beauty of the house, which was no less beautiful than Alexander's. She even felt like she was entering a fairytale palace, as all the amenities were complete and perfectly suited to her needs.
Meanwhile, Jefferson chuckled softly at his special guest's reaction, as if she had just come down from the mountain. He actually preferred seeing Carabella react like this rather than remaining in his family's home like a true slave. That was his main goal to free Carabella from that house.
"You really look like Tarzan."
Carabella's face turned into a frown. "What did you say?"
"Even though my house is smaller than my family's, you see it looks like a palace."
"But, do you really want to live here alone? This house is too big for you."
A mischievous smile graced his handsome face. "That's why I invited you here to keep me company."
"You could have asked Raul to accompany you. Your relationship would be closer."
"Raul is my personal assistant. His job is solely to assist me with office matters."
"Then you can ask Larissa to accompany you. After all, you're getting married soon."
"I don't want to live with her because we're not officially married yet."
"In fact, many unmarried couples are already living together."
A heavy sigh escaped his lips. If he continued their argument, his patience would run out.
"Ella, instead of you being chatty earlier, now I want to show you around this house."
Carabella looked away again haughtily. "No need. I can't use all the facilities here anyway."
"In fact, you can use it as much as you like."
Her mouth gaped open. "Are you kidding me?"
"Have I been joking with you all this time?" Her eyes were fixed on Raul, who looked like he was holding back laughter. "You won't be staying here for a while. I also need your help assessing my new home."
"I knew you wanted to use me for your own gain!"
Jefferson didn't want to dwell on small talk for too long, as he hated seeing others laugh at him, especially his personal assistant. He now showed everyone the entire house, from the top floor to the bottom. Even though Jefferson had shown them every room, Carabella was still curious about where she would sleep. There was no room for a housekeeper.
"By the way, your house is so big and luxurious, it even has a spacious backyard and a swimming pool. But why isn't there a room for the housekeeper?"
"Because I don't allow any housekeeper to live in my house. They all stay at my family's house."
"Then, where am I going to sleep? You're probably going to make me sleep on the sofa!"
Hearing Carabella's joke made Jefferson laugh so hard his cheeks turned red. "You're a woman, there's no way I'd treat you like that. I'd let you sleep in the guest room instead."
Carabella glared again. "What? That luxurious guest room?"
"Why? You don't like sleeping there?"
"I like it. I actually feel like the room is too luxurious for me."
"My room is even bigger and you overreacted when you saw the guest room."
"But, is it okay if I sleep there?"
"Since you are my guest, of course I allow you to sleep in the guest room."
"Then, what about the other facilities? Am I really allowed to use them?"
"If you keep asking me, I won't let you use it."
In fact, Raul still didn't dare speak, confused by his boss's thoughts. Jefferson had been very reluctant to let anyone else set foot in his new home, allowing only Carabella. Furthermore, he could see Jefferson's gaze on Carabella as if he weren't looking at a housekeeper, but rather as if he were looking at someone special in his life. Was he wrong in his assumptions?
Now that he was summoned by his boss for a brief discussion, he couldn't contain his curiosity any longer and immediately asked this stupid question.
"What's really wrong with you, Jefferson?"