His Destructive, Toxic Love

"I'll give it my best shot."

He smiled, though there was a hint of uncertainty in it. His eyes softened as they landed on the woman's profile, stunningly beautiful beyond words.

For a man like him, who had encountered countless breathtaking women, a pretty face might spark a flicker of desire. But it wouldn't make him want to share his life with her.

Eliza, however, was different. She stirred a unique feeling in him. He was utterly captivated, unable to pull himself away. He felt ready to spend a year, a lifetime, even face insurmountable challenges, just for her. Almost without realizing it, he walked over to the woman who seemed lost in thought.

"Val."

Eliza snapped back to reality and turned to look at him. "Are you done?"

"Yeah," he replied.

Dr. Roth, out of respect for Casper, had agreed to perform Mikey's surgery. After informing Eliza of the risks and getting her consent, they scheduled the operation.

Leaving the hotel, Eliza felt like she was in a dream.

"Is it really all set?" She couldn't believe it. She hadn't spent a dime and yet met such a reputable doctor. She knew it was because of Casper, and although the doctor hadn't charged, she felt it was only right to thank him. "Mr. Casper, how about I treat you to dinner tonight to thank you for all your help?" she offered.

Casper raised an eyebrow and agreed cheerfully. "Sure, but I'm tired of eating out. How about a simple home-cooked meal?"

Eliza frowned. "To Welton Estate?" That seemed a bit inappropriate.

"My cooking is mediocre at best. Maybe we should choose a nicer restaurant," she suggested.

She needed to repay the favor, but she also wanted to respect Casper's wishes.

"The highest form of hospitality is a home-cooked meal. If not my place, then yours," he said, very agreeable.

Eliza didn't want to go to Welton Estate, so she compromised. "Then let's go to my place. We can stop by the supermarket on the way to pick up some ingredients." "Okay."

The supermarket wasn't too

crowded. Casper pushed the cart,

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following behind Eliza as she carefully selected ingredients. Having lived with Casper for so long, she knew his tastes well. Without him saying a word, she knew what he liked to eat.

"Casper," someone called out.

Eliza turned and saw Katie and Casper's aunt, Mae. Worried about being recognized, she quickly put on a mask.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

"Casper," Mae and Katie, pushing a cart, approached them. "What brings you to the supermarket?"

"Just picking up some groceries with a friend," he said casually.

Mae noticed Eliza shopping nearby and asked curiously, "What friend? I'm telling you, be careful about the friends you make. People can be deful, and those girls are only after your money."

"Exactly," Katie chimed in, glancing at Eliza and finding her figure somewhat familiar. "She... couldn't be..."

The woman they had met in the dessert shop that day?

Eliza stood up straight and turned around. With her mask covering most of her face, she wasn't easily recognized.

"Why are you wearing a mask? Ashamed to be seen?" Katie said rudely.

Casper's dark eyes turned cold. "Watch your mouth."

Katie, frightened, hid behind Mae and didn't dare to say more.

Mae's gaze fell on Eliza. "Oh, wearing a mask? Ashamed to be seen?"

Eliza didn't respond. After giving Mae a brief look, she prepared to leave this troublesome situation. As she passed Mae, the latter suddenly grabbed her arm, pulling her back.

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"Miss, you should know Casper's status. I advise you not to have any unrealistic ideas. At most, he's just toying with you."