Chapter 28

Stella stared at Edward like he'd just said something out of a bad rom-com. Seriously? She hadn't expected *that* kind of line from him out of nowhere. But she quickly pulled herself together. "Fine, I'll write the score, but let's talk price." That caught Edward a bit off guard. He thought she'd keep dodging it—not agree so easily. "Looks like I underestimated you. Cool-headed and straightforward, huh?" he chuckled, raising an eyebrow with clear amusement in his eyes. Stella lifted her chin slightly and smiled. "My starting rate's fifty grand. That's already me being generous—only because it's the Hart family." Edward didn't even blink. He just said, "Fifty? That's nothing. I'll double it. Hundred grand for one score—deal?" His tone was casual, like he was just tossing change. Honestly? That kind of money didn't even make a dent for someone like him. A hundred grand for a smile? Worth it. But Stella shook her head without hesitation. "I said fair trade. Fifty is fifty. I don't take mo