Chapter 496 Small Sacrifice
Carolina also had given birth to a boy who was now more than a year old. All in all, it would suffice to say that the Song family were quite happy at present.
She wasn't the sort of woman who wanted to meddle in her mother's and Daniela's issue. She just wished them nothing but a happy life.
In T Country
Maria was physically exhausted from having worked all day. She went back to the hotel and stepped into her room. The sight she saw astonished her. James was in her room! "Why are you here?"
Her eyes went to the large bouquet of roses on the table. As usual, these were the rarest flowers. She had never seem them before. A smile lit up her face.
He often brought her unique flowers and every bouquet made her heart leap.
It had reached a point where she seriously began to wonder if it was the flowers she admired or the man who gave them to her.
James walked towards her and said, "I missed you."
"How did you know I'm here?" As far as she remembered, she had only told him that she was on a business trip. Details regarding where she would stay never came up. James pulled her into his arms and kissed her on the lips. "Do you remember the time I went on a business trip?" He had been surprised too when she had come to him. Back then, Maria had said, "You will know how when you fall in love with someone."
He hadn't known until today.
Smiling at her, he said, "If you really love someone, you will pay special attention to her every move and try every possible means to learn more about her."
Maria had taught him a lot about love. And everything began to make sense now that he was deeply in love with her.
Hearing his words, Maria gave a little chuckle. "Are you leaving your daughter behind and flying all the way here to please me?"
He put his strong arms around her slender waist and said, "Are you happy?"
Maria raised her eyebrows and refused to answer his question. "I'm tired and would love nothing more than a good rest."
"Okay, I'll accompany you."
"Are you here to accompany me to sleep?"
Yes, ma am.
"Okay, in that case, hold me!" She acted like a spoiled child in front of him.
James lifted her up and walked towards the bed. They shared a passionate kiss.
Next day, Maria asked for a favor and James' face turned sulky in an instant.
Maria, who was determined to get what she wanted, held his arm and coaxed, "Please!" "Maria, how could you think of allowing another woman to flirt with me?" She had gone too far this time. He couldn't forgive her.
"Why are you getting so serious? I heard that Ms. Zhang likes your style very much. Can't you sacrifice yourself a little for your wife's company?"
James got rid of her hand and said, "It's an insult to a man!" His voice rose in anger.
"Please don't sound so offended. We are doing it for the sake of my company! It means a lot to me."
Maria was doing this because she had no other choice. According to a source, Ms. Zhang had once said that she was fond of cold and domineering men like James.
Most women preferred cute and obedient men like Ethan. Some also enjoyed the companionship of strong and powerful men like Lawrence. However, Ms. Zhang's preference was James.
Maria contemplated the problem. It seemed harmless to her. After all, Ms. Zhang wasn't going to sleep with James. Instead, she simply admired him. DS Group was going to be listed, and Ms. Zhang was a very important figure.
It wasn't like Maria enjoyed shoving her man towards another woman. She enjoyed the attention he bestowed upon her. He made her feel like a pearl. She lowered her head, slightly disappointed.
It was only now James realized she wanted him to do this for her company's sake. An idea popped into his head. "I could buy DS Group and Fosun Entertainment Group. I can show support that way!" he suggested. He wasn't in favor of her working too hard in the first place. If it weren't for her insistence, he would have helped her manage these two companies.
"No way! DS Group is about to be listed. You know very well how much I have given to bring it to this level. You have also put in lots of efforts. If I sell it at this critical moment, all my efforts will be in vain." "I don't care!" he spat out.
"But I care!"
James stood up and said, "In that case, find some other way. I can't do what you asked me to do." He wouldn't use his physical appearance to succeed in business.
Seeing he was being as stubborn as
a mule, Maria shook her head. She straightened her clothes and said, "Well, fine then. I was considering getting the marriage certificates with you. Now that you are unwilling to sacrifice a little bit for my sake, I am going to rethink my decision!"
James stopped in his tracks.
Both of them sorted out the issue. In the evening, Maria held his arm and dragged him to the dinner party.
If someone looked at their faces closely, they could easily make out that Maria had a complacent smile whereas James was sulky.
Ms. Zhang had known she would be meeting Maria at this party. However, James' arrival was a pleasant surprise to her. When she saw him in person, her face flamed with excitement.
Maria walked towards her and took the initiative. "Ms. Zhang, don't think you are the only one excited here. My husband also admires you. You are a heroine. He has long wanted to see you."
People who didn't know Maria would have mistaken her for a pander.
Fortunately, Ms. Zhang simply admired James. She had no ulterior motive.
The truth was, James was familiar with Ms. Zhang's name, but what Maria said was utter nonsense. He was very arrogant and had no time to admire anyone.
Ms. Zhang understood Maria had only said it out of politeness. But she admired Maria for her magnanimity. She was willing to introduce her husband to someone who admired her! Women weren't normally this generous.
Thinking of this, she was moved. "I'm flattered, Mrs. Xi. I also relied on my husband to rise to this position, just like you."
It was no secret that Maria had taken James' help to attain success. It was a common knowledge to everyone in the financial circle.
Maria didn't mind Ms. Zhang saying so. To be honest, she also appreciated James for everything he had done for her. "Ms. Zhang, then we have something in common. Let's have a toast."
"Mrs. Xi, you are very frank! I love your personality."
The two ladies continued to have a chit chat. They got along quite well. James sat beside them, his expression icy cold.
Maria wasn't disappointed. Instead,
she was glad. This was exactly what Ms. Zang admired about him. Their conversation flowed smoothly. They even drank some wine together and almost took each other as sworn sisters.
Koni
Finally, they reached an agreement on DS Group being listed.
Soon, the couple went back to the hotel. Maria noticed James' mood was off. She hugged him and placed a kiss on his face. "Honey, I'm very happy today."
"Hmm." Of course she was happy. She wasn't the one who had to sell her appearance. She had returned after sealing a good deal.
Her face darkened. "I'm happy, but you're unhappy, aren't you?"
"I am happy." She couldn't understand why he was so unhappy.
Maria put on a smile again and pressed herself against him. "I'm really happy," she repeated.
"I am aware," he said indifferently.
"So, don't be angry with me anymore, okay? I didn't ask you to sell your body," she said, rolling her eyes.
Her transparent way of speaking stunned him. He pinched her red cheeks and asked, "Would you dare to do that?"
"Yes!" she answered without an ounce of hesitation.
James was devastated by her response. Disappointment was etched on his face.
Noticing this, Maria hurriedly added, "But I don't want to. Honey, kiss me."
He let out a small sigh. In the end, he lowered his head and kissed her red lips.
He couldn't be mad at her for more than a second.
'Forget it! She is being nice to me and showing enthusiasm. I forgive her!' he thought to himself.
The night was getting darker and romance wafted through the room.
They hardly had time to be alone. They would make full use of this opportunity. After Maria finished her business deal, she and James stayed here for another two days: Back home, their kids were grumbling. They wanted to meet their parents. Soon, the couple flew back to H City.