Chapter 1130

"Merely a frivolous agreement with an ant, why should I accept it?" Hearing Ranfik's words, Hesper furrowed her brow. She had thought that Ranfik would not care too much about Nathaniel, but it seemed he had already gained some benefits from their collaboration, yet his attitude towards Nathaniel remained unchanged. 'An ant…' Indeed, to the people of the island, those outside were regarded as a lower form of life, as if everyone apart from the islanders was inferior and not worthy of being taken seriously. This arrogance and condescension were deeply ingrained in their nature. Then what made Ranfik view her differently? "To me, you're a special existence," Ranfik admitted frankly. "Initially, I thought you were just another boring person from the outside, but you managed to eliminate all false and wrong answers and defeated me." Hesper stared at Ranfik expressionlessly while Ranfik's face revealed a hint of defeat. She now understood how Ranfik felt about her. He treated her like a rare and special little creature because he had never encountered someone like her before. However, this was not how one should treat another human being. He did not even realize that when he described others, he carried a sense of superiority and condescension. Perhaps Ranfik indeed found her intriguing at first, but that tiny glimmer of novelty would soon fade away, just as it did with Nathaniel. "I'm sorry, but I don't think I'll be cooperating with you." Hesper stepped back, avoiding Ranfik's hand. The feeling of rejection seemed to intrigue Ranfik even more, and for a rare moment, he showed a touch of tolerance and patience towards Hesper. "Rickard isn't all that great, is he? He doesn't treat you as well either. He hasn't even given you a formal status, yet he expects you to devote yourself to the Savatiers," remarked Ranfik, his voice tinged with lure. However, Hesper remained unaffected, observing him silently. "What about you then? If I choose you, what would you offer me?" Hesper's question made Ranfik seemingly contemplate what answer he should give. To him, obtaining anything in this world was effortlessly achievable, so whatever Hesper desired, he could provide. But when it came to speaking for himself, he found it hard to decide on the best response. "I can offer you the place by my side and make you the future Lady of the Mustafas," he eventually said. Confusion etched on Hesper's face as she frowned, momentarily unable to grasp Ranfik's intention. After a while, understanding dawned upon her and she was stunned. Was Ranfik taking this novelty as... love? However, Ranfik seemed to have found the perfect answer and looked at Hesper with a hint of smugness. "As long as you agree to be with me, I can give you anything you desire. What can Rickard offer you?" Just then, Camille came out from behind, disrupting the atmosphere between the two. Ranfik subtly furrowed his brows, and his subordinates immediately stepped forward to pull Camille back. Camille, who never expected to hear all this, appeared flustered with a hint of panic in her eyes. She instinctively looked at Hesper, and the calmness in her eyes calmed her racing heart. She inwardly laughed at her earlier anxiety. Indeed, Rickard's love for Hesper had surpassed everything else.