Their Mistake, Her Rise - Chapter 63: Chapter 63

Even Zoe, who had been pretending the whole time, couldn't help but be taken aback.
"Make it real? For real? Hey, Mr. Ludwig, you're not actually in love with me, are you? I could consider it." Zoe deliberately put on an expression of surprise and coyness.
She didn't believe that Shawn could have fallen in love with her after just a few days of being together. There had to be another reason.
Sure enough, Shawn's serious expression continued as he said, "I want everyone to think you're my girlfriend. You have to play along and let rumors spread about us."
Zoe deliberately acted disappointed. "So, Mr. Ludwig, you just want me to be your cover, huh? I was so excited for nothing. I thought you really wanted to be with me."
Seeing Zoe's disappointed look, Shawn felt a bit guilty, especially since he was the one who had brought it up, and it was clearly more advantageous for him.
After a brief silence, Shawn continued, "If you help me out, I'll owe you a favor."
Zoe looked at Shawn, her eyes filled with a hint of expectation. "Mr. Ludwig, what if I were to ask you to be my real fiancé? Would you agree?"
Her eyes sparkled, but Shawn didn't respond.
Zoe sighed disappointedly. "So it seems that even if I help you, there's no real benefit for me."
Shawn remained calm. "You can call on me to act when your family gives you trouble."
Zoe took a bite of her burger. "Tell me more. Why do you need me to play along and spread rumors? Is it because you're in some kind of trouble?"
Seeing that Zoe was calm, Shawn explained, "My family wants me to enter into an arranged marriage and has already set a fiancée for me. I don't want this, so I need a rumor partner to make her call off the engagement."
Zoe feigned shock. "Mr. Ludwig, you already have a fiancée? Knowing this, I shouldn't have gotten involved with you. Will I be retaliated against? I've heard that rich guys can be really ruthless." Zoe shivered dramatically.
Shawn reassured her. "Don't worry. As long as you agree to this, I'll personally take responsibility for your safety from now on.
"And if you agree, I can give you a sum of money, or any privileges you want at Highcrest University, I can help you apply for them."
He added, "I'll also help you with your situation at home. I'm willing to personally talk to your parents on your behalf." The numerous conditions Shawn offered were exactly what Zoe seemingly needed the most at the moment.
Clearly, Shawn had investigated her and had been testing her all along.
Zoe looked at Shawn, her expression turning sorrowful. "Mr. Ludwig, I thought you were a good person, but I didn't expect you to exploit my weaknesses to force me into this. Why doesn't anyone around me truly care about me?"
Seeing Zoe's delicate and pitiful appearance, Shawn felt even more guilty. The next second, Zoe continued, "Forget it. Mr. Ludwig, I really like you. I'll naturally agree."
"This time I'm asking for your help. To make it up to you, you can ask me for anything within my power, and I'll grant it," Shawn said.
Zoe's eyes lit up. "Really, anything at all?"
"Of course," Shawn promised.
Zoe nodded. "I haven't decided yet, but how about you agree to three requests from me? I'll tell you what they are when I figure them out."
"Alright," Shawn agreed.
Zoe's face immediately brightened. "Mr. Ludwig, don't think I'm just after those three conditions. If it weren't for the fact that I like you, I wouldn't agree even if you offered me a hundred requests."
Zoe's unexpected emotional outburst made Shawn feel somewhat uncomfortable all over. Shawn's tone turned cold. "Zoe, I just wanted to discuss a deal with you, not—"