TWO DAYS LATER
Raymond sat on his couch, legs crossed. He wore black joggers and a white T-shirt patterned with flowers. A lollipop rested in his mouth as he chewed gum, scrolling through his phone lazily.
"I'm off, boss," Naomi said, leaning in to peck his cheek. Raymond didn't even react.
Naomi was the only one allowed such familiarity. Simple, obedient, and only interested in money, she knew the rules—after their sessions, she left without disturbing him. She smiled and turned to leave.
Just then, Dickson walked in.
"Hi, Dickson," Raymond said, rubbing his chest.
Dickson's face remained stoic.
"I'm just keeping myself busy with her until my new… acquisitions arrive," Raymond explained casually. Dickson had been his right-hand man for years, the only one he could indulge with explanations. He knew Dickson was probably wondering why Naomi was still around.
"Dragon from the Slayers clan is here, boss," Dickson announced.
Raymond glanced up slowly. "Go get that mosquito. I'm trading her off today. Killing her would be a waste. If I keep her here, I might kill her anyway… and that'd be a waste of money." His signature smirk flickered into an unreadable expression as he remembered what Candy had done to his new shoes.
"Okay, boss," Dickson said, bowing before leaving.
***
Candy paced the room, restless. She had been confined here for two days, forbidden to leave.
"I want to leave, Rose, please," she begged, tugging at the hem of her pink crop top. Her slim figure and ponytail made her glow, but her beauty didn't hide her desperation.
"Boss ordered that you not be seen outside," Rose said, biting her lips, struggling to keep her irritation in check.
"What?..."
The door slammed open. Dickson stood in the frame.
"Gosh, can't you knock?" Rose frowned, but Dickson ignored her, eyes on Candy.
"The boss called for you," he said. Candy smiled inwardly—finally, she could leave the jail-like room.
GUEST SITTING ROOM
Dragon lounged, a glass of whiskey in hand, black long-sleeve shirt and sharply ironed trousers. He smiled as he smoked, taking in the room.
"Hmm… Monster really knows hospitality," he murmured, watching Raymond descend the stairs. Lollipop still in his mouth, hands tucked in his pockets.
"Monster of the Wolf's Clan, are you really a monster? Because I've never seen a monster with a lollipop. Why not chewing gum?" Dragon teased.
Raymond made his way to the couch, sitting lazily and crossing his legs. He pulled a sachet of bubble gum from his pocket, popped a piece in, and blew a bubble.
"Oops," Dragon chuckled.
Raymond lazily rested his hand on his jaw. "The goods will arrive soon," he muttered.
"I hope they meet my expectations," Dragon said, eyes landing on Candy as she approached with Dickson. "The last batch you rejected… well, I think I might change my mind. And… this one… this is exactly my type. Her figure is perfect, and she looks innocent. I love them innocent."
Raymond scanned Candy casually, then looked away. He hadn't expected Dragon to accept her immediately—but that was fine. Getting rid of her would remove a headache from his shoulders.
Candy frowned. "What's going on?"
"That's Dragon from the Eagle's Clan," Dickson explained. "He'll soon be your new… owner."
Candy's eyes snapped toward Dragon. Traded? That was absurd. But he looked more reasonable than Raymond. Better to escape later than stay under the same roof as him.
Dragon smiled warmly. "What's your name?"
"Candy, sir," she replied, forcing the sweetness of a good girl.
"I must confess, you're beautiful, Candy. Just my type," Dragon said, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles.
Candy's golden eyes sparkled as she smiled.
"And I'm so happy you'll be mine soon," Dragon added, moving to kiss her hand again—but someone stopped him.
Dragon turned. Raymond was standing before him, calm yet commanding. Slowly, Dragon lowered his hand.
Candy frowned. Something was off.
Raymond tucked his hands back into his pockets, blowing a bubble. "Dragon, business is canceled for today. The goods won't be leaving with you."
Dragon's brow furrowed. "Why?"
Raymond tilted his head toward Candy, his cold eyes locking on hers. "Because that… goods… will forever be Raymond's property."