CHAPTER 242: CHAPTER 234: NEGOTIATIONS END, AGREED TO BREAK UP

Bella Woods was very clear in her thoughts. No matter what identity Ashton Marshall had, from the very beginning, to her, he was just a pretty male prostitute.

So, whatever identity it started with, that’s how it should end.

"So, today, I formally propose to Mr. Marshall to terminate our contract," Bella said solemnly.

She originally wanted to discuss breaking up.

Then she thought, what qualifications did she have?

From the beginning, there was never any talk of being boyfriend and girlfriend with Ashton Marshall.

Once Bella finished expressing herself, Ashton Marshall showed no expression on his face, only looked at her blandly, with not even a hint of emotion in his eyes.

After sneaking a glance, Bella looked away, avoiding his gaze.

What exactly was she thinking, what was she hoping for?

To actually expect to see reluctance in Ashton’s eyes or for him to be unhappy because she suggested terminating the contract.

It was truly absurd.

"What you mean, little rich woman, is that you want to end our relationship where you’re keeping me, right?" Ashton asked.

"Yes," Bella confirmed, adding, "As for any written documents... We only had a verbal agreement from the start, so ending it verbally also counts as having a proper start and finish."

As soon as Bella finished speaking, there was a knock on the private room door.

"Food delivery."

The server opened the private room door and carefully placed the coffee and desserts on the table, obviously sensing the tension in the room. Their movements were cautious and meticulous.

"Enjoy," said the server before exiting the room.

Ashton Marshall stood up from his seat, his long fingers brushing across the rectangular negotiation table as he walked slowly towards Bella.

"Since I joined the Marshall Clan Group, I’ve sat at the negotiation table countless times, faced countless people."

As he said this, Ashton stood right in front of Bella.

He bent over, looking at Bella with amusement, "I never thought that one day I’d be sitting at a negotiation table with you."

Bella stared straight ahead, seemingly calm, but her hands resting on her thighs were nervously grasping at each other, revealing her anxious and restless mood.

But Bella masked it well, lifting her head to look at Ashton, "In the spirit of amicable separation, Mr. Marshall can propose a termination request."

"Of course, provided I can meet it."

Bella felt the need to emphasize and add this point.

"Just so happens, I do have a request," Ashton said, a slight smile tugging at his lips.

"What request?"

"Let me serve you one more time," Ashton said, staring into Bella’s eyes.

Though Bella tried to look calm, Ashton’s request took her by surprise, her eyes widening in shock, "Say that again?"

"Serve you," Ashton repeated seriously, moving his face gradually closer to Bella’s, "Didn’t you pay to keep me? Since you’ve spent the money, I naturally have to provide thorough service."

Bella was completely at a loss for words.

Previously, not knowing he was the renowned Third Young Master Marshall, she’d felt she could say anything, treating him truly like a kept man to be served.

Now, knowing he’s the Third Young Master, such words coming from him made Bella feel immense pressure.

"What, scared?"

"Not at all!" Bella immediately denied.

"Then why don’t you agree?" Ashton countered.

"I didn’t disagree either. I’m just thinking, you said serve one more time, I also need to consider the location. Here definitely isn’t suitable."

"What’s unsuitable about here?"

Ashton supported himself with one hand on the table, casually placing his other hand on his waist.

Remaining bent over, he maintained eye contact with Bella, waiting for her response.

Bella, feeling the pressure of his aggressive posture, hastily licked her lips in nervousness, "It... it’s just not suitable. After all, this is a café. And broad daylight indulgence is really...."

"Pfft."

His chuckle interrupted Bella’s words.

He reached out and tapped Bella’s forehead, "When I said serve you one more time, I meant feed you cake."

"It’s just not suitable, because it’s their shop... wait, what did you say?" Bella exclaimed, eyes widening, just meeting Ashton’s meaningful expression.

He suddenly leaned near Bella’s ear, asking teasingly, "Otherwise, what did you think I meant?"

"I..."

"Or does our little rich woman think that since it started in bed, it should end in bed..."

"No need for that!"

Bella abruptly pushed Ashton away, stood up from her seat, and stepped several paces back, nervously clutching at her sleeves.

She grasped for words, "Well, just eating some cake doesn’t need special feeding or any such service."

With that, Bella grabbed a piece of Black Forest cake, taking a large bite.

The rich chocolate flavor burst in her mouth, and Bella’s eyes widened in delight.

Ashton, with deep eyes, watched her and suddenly leaned over, scaring Bella into falling back into her chair.

Ashton reached out to wipe the cream from Bella’s lips and put it in his mouth, "Our little rich woman eating cake like this, needs good service."

"Then I..."

Before Bella could finish her sentence, Ashton suddenly pinched her chin, bending down to kiss her, sweeping away all the cream she’d just eaten before she had a chance to swallow.

The sweet and cold entanglement.

Bella felt her body going weak, instinctively clutching the armrests of the chair, barely keeping steady.

Even when it ended, Ashton continued to lightly brush Bella’s nose with his.

"Is this service satisfactory, little rich woman?" His voice deep, tinged with a hint of huskiness, very alluring.

Bella’s gaze was almost drawn in, nearly instinctively wanting to kiss him back.

Fortunately, reason prevailed this time.

She took a stealthy deep breath, reached out to push Ashton away, creating some distance between them, "Enough’s enough."

Ashton then extended a hand to guide Bella back into her seat.

Ashton picked up another dessert with a smile, and when he turned around, he was half-kneeling in front of Bella.

Bella was taken aback.

Ashton offered cake with a spoon, "This flavor, better taste, try it?"

Bella felt a bit resistant.

She thought, obviously she was discussing a breakup with Ashton, how did things suddenly become all mushy, without any sadness or unhappiness about the departure.

"Not eating?" Ashton tilted his head, "If not, we won’t be able to end it..."

At the mention of not being able to end it, Bella quickly opened her mouth to bite the dessert Ashton offered, "Eat, eat, I’ll eat."

Ashton said nothing, only his gaze seemed to deepen slightly.

"At the mention of parting, little rich woman becomes quite proactive."

Ashton continued feeding Bella.

Bella didn’t respond, just ate as much as he fed her, bite after bite.

Initially, tasting the first bite because of its flavor, she was amazed, but afterwards, every piece Bella ate tasted bland, merely an obligation tied to her emotions.

Her mind filled with thoughts of finishing up quickly, severing ties with Ashton fast.

Two days after the Hughes Family banquet concluded, she planned on leaving completely.

Bella thought her plans were well-laid, not realizing that the man currently feeding her cake was plotting something that would astonish her unexpectedly!