Perhaps, henceforth, Marcus would find her repulsive. Once she repaid him, she vowed to vanish from his presence, sparing him any further distaste.

Marcus retreated to his hotel.

He had abstained from food since noon, and a subtle ache throbbed in his stomach.

Yet the more pronounced pain resonated in his head.

As he leaned against the sofa in front of the French window, smoking, he internally ridiculed himself. "Marcus, you are truly contemptible.

Continuously, you've displayed a soft heart, offering her excuses and opportunities to acknowledge her mistakes and seek repentance.

But all she seems to perceive is that she owes you $800, 000.

You're deluding yourself."

Marcus, troubled by a stomachache, extinguished his cigarette and summoned room service, ordering a bowl of noodles.

Ten minutes later, the doorbell chimed. He approached, intending to welcome the waiter.

To his surprise, it wasn't the waiter but his new secretary, Sophia.

Clad in a white bathrobe adorned with bunny-eared headgear, the young girl exuded an air of innocence, tinged with a hint of allure.

Meeting Marcus' gaze, Sophia offered a shy explanation. "Mr. Fowler, I just completed my shower and intended to discuss tomorrow's schedule with you. Encountering the waiter, I requested the noodles from him."

Marcus fixed his gaze on her.

Positioned at the door, he barred her entry.

Uttering in a deliberate, resonant tone, he questioned, “What delusion led you to believe I'd make a move to my female secretary?

Why assume I'd approve of this attire? Now, leave."

Marcus, typically gentle with women, departed from his norm, sternly commanding her to leave.

Caught off guard, Sophia's eyes welled with tears, and she struggled to regain composure.

Wasn't Marcus fond of bunnies?