His Mafia Redemption

Chapter 12 : A Deal for a Kiss

<Ding!>

A familiar soft voice echoed inside Richard’s head . 

<Congratulations, Host!>

<You have successfully established acquaintance with Sarah Robertson.>

<Reward unlocked: Trust Level +1.>

Richard smirked slightly, adjusting his suit as the notification faded away. His heart was still racing from the meeting, but deep inside, he felt proud. The system was right again. Everything was slowly falling into place.

Meanwhile, Sarah stole a quick glance at him as he tried to make sure the thugs were not going to be a bother.

A young female lady ran out of the cafeteria looking like she she was lost. “ Miss Sarah!” she yelled looking up and down but then she looked ahead and saw her walking with Richard by her side. 

Mia wanted to cross and was almost hit by a car. She rushed towards Sarah's side and bent her head slowly. “ I am sorry,Ma'am. One minute, I went to place your order and the next, you are gone.” 

Sarah looked at her and smiled. “ No, it is my fault. I am fine now though.”  

“Ma’am, you still have three meetings lined up for today,” Mia said carefully. “Should I reschedule them?”

Sarah took a long breath, tapping her nails on the glass. “Cancel everything.”

“Everything?” Mia blinked.

Sarah nodded. “Yes. I’ll be spending the rest of the day with Mr. Richard.”

Mia’s jaw almost dropped. Sarah Robertson never canceled meetings for anyone—not even foreign investors.

Sarah stood still wondering who the tall handsome man was.  

Richard was surprised that Sarah would cancel all her meeting just for him that he couldn't help but wonder why. 

Sarah tilted her head, her eyes scanning him like she was studying every detail of his face. “You did save my life, didn’t you? It’s the least I could do.”

Before he could say anything, she gestured toward her car—a sleek, black Rolls-Royce parked by the curb. “Get in.”

The ride was quiet at first. Richard sat at the passenger side while Sarah drove with one hand on the steering wheel, her long brown hair falling neatly on her shoulders. The faint smell of her perfume filled the car—soft, elegant, and expensive.

Every few seconds, Sarah’s eyes flickered toward him. She tried not to show it, but she was curious.

“So…” she began, glancing at him again. “Why are you so interested in the Denali Clean Energy project?”

Richard hesitated. He had expected that question. “It’s… something I’ve been following for a while,” he replied. “It’s a big opportunity. I think I can make something great out of it.”

Sarah raised an eyebrow. “You sound confident.”

Richard chuckled. “I’ve learned that confidence is half of success.”

She smirked faintly but didn’t press further. Her gaze lingered on him a little longer before she returned her eyes to the road. “You know, there are hundreds of powerful companies begging for that contract. But somehow, you make it sound like it belongs to you.”

Richard looked out the window and smiled. “Maybe it does.”

That made her laugh softly. For the first time that day, the icy mask she usually wore seemed to melt.

When they finally arrived at her home, Richard was speechless.

The Robertson mansion was something out of a royal movie. A large fountain stood at the center of the driveway, and tall golden gates surrounded the estate. The garden was filled with white roses, and the mansion itself glowed under the sunlight like a palace made of glass and marble.

“Welcome to my home,” Sarah said, stepping out of the car.

Richard followed, still amazed by what he saw. As they walked into the mansion, several workers lined up by the entrance, bowing respectfully. But as soon as they passed, soft whispers filled the air.

“Did you see that?” one maid whispered. “Miss Sarah brought a man home.”

“That’s impossible,” another replied. “She’s never done that before!”

“I wonder who he is.”

Richard pretended not to hear them, though he could feel their curious stares on his back.

Sarah stopped halfway up the stairs and turned to him. “Ignore them. They gossip more than they work.”

He smiled faintly. “I’m used to it.”

She led him to the living room, which was even more breathtaking than the outside. The chandelier above their heads sparkled like frozen stars, and the air smelled nice.

“Sit,” Sarah said, motioning toward a cream-colored couch.

He sat carefully, not wanting to look out of place.

She turned to one of the maids. “Bring a new set of clothes for him.”

The maid nodded and hurried away.

Richard frowned. “That’s not necessary. I’m fine.”

Sarah’s eyes lowered to the faint blood stain near his sleeve. “It is necessary. You helped me back there. The least I can do is make sure you’re properly dressed.”

Before he could argue, she said firmly, “Take them off. I’ll have them cleaned.”

Richard froze, unsure what to say. “You… want me to take off my clothes?”

Sarah smiled faintly. “Relax. Not all of them. Just the jacket and shirt.”

He awkwardly removed them and handed them over to the maid, who returned minutes later with a neatly folded black suit. It was far more elegant than anything Richard had ever worn despite the exquisite one he bought. 

He slipped into it, and Sarah’s eyes scanned him from head to toe. “Now you look like a businessman.”

He chuckled lightly. “Do I pass for one now?”

“You’ll need more than just clothes to fool me,” she said, smirking. “Come on. Let’s talk.”

They moved to her private study—a quiet room filled with books and a large window overlooking the garden. Sarah sat across from him and crossed her legs.

“So,” she said, “tell me, Richard. Why do you want the Denali contract?”

Richard hesitated again. The truth was painful to say—that he was doing all this to win back his wife, Dianne, and prove he wasn’t worthless. But he couldn’t let Sarah know that.

He took a deep breath. “I’m a businessman,” he began. “I’ve been following your project for months now. It’s innovative, and I believe it’s the future. I want to be part of it.”

Sarah leaned back, her sharp eyes watching him closely. “You’re lying,” she said calmly.

Richard’s heart skipped. “What?”

“I can tell when someone is lying,” she continued. “Your voice hesitated, your eyes looked away. So either you’re hiding something… or you’re nervous.”

Richard forced a smile. “Maybe both.”

Sarah chuckled softly. “I like honest people. Fine, let’s pretend I believe you.”

She stood up and walked to the window. “You saved my life today, and I don’t forget favors easily.” She turned to face him. “So, here’s my offer.”

Richard stood as well, curious.

“I’ll give you the Denali Clean Energy contract,” Sarah said, her voice soft but firm. “But there’s one condition.”

“What condition?” he asked carefully.

She stepped closer, her perfume wrapping around him like a spell. “A kiss.”

Richard froze. “A… kiss?”

Sarah nodded. “Yes. That’s all I ask. A kiss in exchange for the contract.”

For a moment, the room fell silent. He didn’t know whether to laugh or be shocked.