Chapter 85
85:
Christina brushed it off with an easy smile. “Honestly, there’s nothing to be sorry about.”
A lull settled over the car before Dylan spoke up out of the blue. “I’ll give the driver an extra month’s bonus.”
That caught Christina off guard. “Wait, what brought that on?”
“You mentioned earlier that his quick thinking and skill behind the wheel impressed you,” Dylan explained.
Her brow furrowed as she tried to catch up. “Right. That’s true, I did.”
“Well, he deserves a reward then,” Dylan said, his tone completely straightforward.
A laugh slipped out of Christina. “I don’t really understand your rules. If you say he deserves it, then who am I to argue?”
“Alright,” Dylan replied without hesitation.
The driver, overcome with gratitude, blurted out, “Thank you so much, Miss Jones. Thank you, Mr. Scott.”
The driver was genuinely surprised. Instead of getting in trouble, he’d wound up with an unexpected bonus. From the rearview mirror, he shot Christina a grateful look, silent thanks shining in his eyes. He was certain he owed everything to her kindness.
Dylan made a sudden decision. “He’ll be your personal driver from now on.”
“Are you serious?” Christina’s jaw dropped.
Without missing a beat, Dylan replied, “I’ve noticed you’re always hailing cabs. Having a personal driver would spare you the hassle. There’s no need for you to worry about the car or the costs—I’ll handle the driver’s salary and everything else.”
She shook her head. “I appreciate it, but it’s really unnecessary. I can manage to buy a car on my own. Plus, your fleet is a bit too flashy for my taste—I’d rather not draw attention everywhere I go.”
𝙍𝖊𝗅𝗂𝖆𝖇𝖑𝖊 𝗌𝗈𝗎𝗋𝖼𝖾: g𝓪𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀․ⅽ𝘰𝘮
Her plan all along was to buy something simple, nothing more than what she needed to get around—certainly not a showy ride. Meanwhile, every car in Dylan’s collection was the kind that turned heads—high-end models with jaw-dropping price tags, a few even custom-built for him alone.
“If that’s the issue, I’ll just purchase something more understated,” Dylan suggested.
“Driving myself is what I’m comfortable with.” Christina gave a gentle sigh. It didn’t sit right with her to keep accepting favors. Staying in Dylan’s villa was generous enough. Taking a car and a driver felt like too big a leap.
“Think of the driver as a thank-you for looking after Chloe,” Dylan’s tone softened just a touch.
Watching Christina waver, Dylan added, “Let’s say you’ve had a glass of wine or you’re just too exhausted to drive—just call him. No need to worry about pay or benefits. I’ll take care of everything. And he’s getting an extra six months’ bonus for his trouble.”
The driver, who’d been listening intently, nearly let his foot slip from the pedal at the mention of such a hefty bonus. Even with his heart racing, he managed to bring the car to a smooth stop outside the villa. He kept quiet, not wanting to interrupt, but his eyes found Christina’s in the mirror, full of silent pleading and hope. A yes from her would mean the world to him. He’d treat the job with even more loyalty if she accepted.
Feeling the weight of his anticipation, Christina finally relented. A nod sealed it. “Alright then. Thank you, Mr. Scott.”
For the first time that day, something gentle flickered in Dylan’s expression, the hint of a smile breaking through his usual reserve. Any trace of weariness vanished from his face, replaced by quiet contentment.
“Thank you so much, Miss Jones!” the driver blurted out, unable to contain his joy.
A gentle smile lingered on Christina’s lips. Dylan’s voice followed, calm and steady. “Get some rest tonight. Tomorrow, he’ll be waiting for your instructions.”
Christina answered with a simple, “Okay.”
Once outside the car, she lingered by the curb, her eyes following the car until it vanished from sight. Only then did she head back into the villa.
Dawn brought a new day. Christina padded out of her room, still in pajamas. Shuffling downstairs and stifling a yawn, she blinked away sleep, her eyes scanning the living room. What she saw made her come to a sudden halt, completely taken aback.
.
.
.