Lance had deliberately brought up last semester's incident, probably to make her misinterpret his words on purpose.

If Bettie directly corrected Lance, it would seem as though she had been dwelling on their past encounters.

"Isn't it summer at the moment? What's running through your head?"

Bettie shot back with confidence.

With that, she turned and kept walking. "I won't discuss this further. Let's move on."

The two of them stayed outside until ten o'clock before heading back to the hotel.

Bettie declared to take a taxi back alone, indicating she didn't require Lance's drive.

Lance remarked, "We're staying at the same hotel, remember?"

Bettie found herself at a loss for words. This was not the first time Lance stuck around her. When Sabrina spotted Lance in Philade and took photos of him, Sabrina casually asked if Lance had been looking for her lately.

At that time, Bettie offered a vague reply, "Not really these days.”

She wasn't lying. Lance had returned to Philade in those days. Before that, while she was busy working, Lance made it a point to visit her now and then, whether he was on a business trip or in Mathias, always seeming to stay updated about her life.

"What do you want, Lance?" Bettie asked, frustration evident in her tone.

“Isn't it obvious? I'm trying to win you back, Bettie," Lance said with determination.

Bettie looked down, about to respond, but Lance cut her off, "Please, don't say no. Listen, Bettie, I know what you're facing now. Your dad had an affair, and you're stuck going on blind dates because you feel like you have no other choice. I get that you don't want to marry just to protect your inheritance. But managing a company isn't your strong suit, and you don't have any leverage with your dad. Let me be that leverage for you."

Bettie was taken aback. She had expected a declaration of love, not this. “And how exactly would you be my leverage?" she asked, curiosity piqued.

"I'll join your family's company and run it for you. By the time your half-brother graduates and comes on board, I'll make sure he's no threat, forcing your father to Leave the company to you," Lance explained confidently.

“But you've already won over other shareholders. Why would my father leave the company to me?" Bettie questioned, still skeptical.

“There's one condition. We need to get married. Once we're married, what's mine becomes yours," he proposed.

Bettie couldn't help but smirk. "In your dreams."

“Bettie, think about it. We could make a deal, and I promise I'll honor our agreement during our marriage. Do you really want your half -brother inheriting everything from your dad?" Lance pressed, hoping to sway her.