Chapter 43

Frederick was so blunt that I couldn't hide anything. "Do me a favor," I said, sitting down in front of him. Frederick raised an eyebrow. "What's in it for me?" he asked. I copied his expression, raising an eyebrow. "If there were no benefits, I wouldn't be here," I said. The smile on Frederick's face vanished instantly as he clicked his tongue. "Elise, are you trying to imitate me?" he teased. I nodded. "Why not?" I answered. He scoffed. "You're good at it, but there's a price to pay." I stood up, resting my arms on the glass table between us, slowly leaning closer. Frederick's usual arrogant expression froze instantly. I could almost feel his breath stop as he held his gaze on me. As I leaned in closer to him, Frederick immediately tensed up. Yet, I couldn't tell what he was nervous about or what he was hoping for. I burst out laughing. "Frederick, you're not secretly a romantic, are you?" I joked. His face flushed bright red, and he snapped angrily, "What nonsense are y