ssistant, who was attempting to discuss the getaway trip with him. He would merely hum a

ng Avery's entire attention. "Do you agree with all of the terms d

just told you?" he needed to double-check

odding. Francis would have believed his act if he had been more c

expected this to happen and went on with it anyway, so it

timidly. "Like I'd be alone for a period of tim

ch s

the most important bit here, Francis. Is it?" he inquired, arching both eyebrows. "What's important is that I'

him, Avery gripped his nape and muttered, "I agree w

ser to Avery, whose eyes followed his every move. "Love-Free Yacht Services asks you to sign this paper as proof that you

eyes eventually landed at the section where his signature should be inserted

rmed the agreement without

*

overdue. The company is concerned that the longer the woman fails to appear in front of her followers, the more dissatisfied

Maki inquired, peering through the computer screen at Ida. "The company

whined, making circles on the surfa

you lik

"I'm not sure what I really want," she mur

sible," Maki answered. "With a dedicated w

king me feel

e tried, the woman's passion for working in the industry never returned. And no one could blam

ck knowing that I won't be able to fully offer myself. A highly distracted woman isn't who I am,"

time, aren't you?" Maki inquired, somewhat dismayed by what she had heard. "You

uld the

profit a lot of money because of you. You understand that, right?" Maki asked, both eyeb

ng the strain of carrying something that shouldn't be her primary duty. "How about me,

me reason. "What do you intend to do for a long time, anyway?" she a

ve some forethought, Ida. It's not somethi

hat she was the stereotypical obstinate, rich, and successful girl who refused to listen to anyone'

y taken aback. "How are you going to s

t had recently entered her thoughts. "There's this mind-cleansing tour called Love-Free, and I have

quired. "That sounds

en he tried to convince her of the authenticity of that service. "I just think it's... exactly what I

ki could o

a faked a grin. "...all alone," she went on whi

ustly, "you're not sur

Ida insisted, "I